The Defence Headquarters has issued a stern warning to those organizing a nationwide protest, stating that while the right to protest is acknowledged, any move towards anarchy will not be tolerated.
Daily Trust reports that some groups are mobilizing for a nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to August 10, 2024. The protest, tagged #EndBadGovernance, aims to highlight widespread hunger and inflation in the country.
During a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized that the military will not allow Nigeria to descend into chaos. He revealed that the military has uncovered plans by unscrupulous elements to hijack the protest and incite violence by attacking innocent Nigerians and their businesses.
“While citizens have the right to peaceful protest, they do not have the right to mobilize for anarchy and unleash terror,” he stated. He compared the situation to recent events in Kenya, where protests have turned violent and remain unresolved.
“The level of violence being envisaged can only be described as a stage for anarchy. The Armed Forces, on its part, will not stand by and allow anarchy to befall our nation. We have seen wars and witnessed anarchy in countries where we have operated, particularly during ECOMOG (Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group) and various peacekeeping missions,” he added.
A similar protest in 2020 ended following military intervention. The Lagos State government had declared a curfew, but protesters refused to leave the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos, which was the central coordination point. Soldiers forcibly dispersed the protesters, and although there were reports of deaths and injuries, the Federal Government and military authorities denied any harm to the protesters.
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Are we not allowed the freedom of expression anymore?