Amidst rising tensions, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) warns protesters against actions that could destabilize Nigeria. Learn more about the government’s stance on the planned nationwide protest and its implications for national security.
A warning has been issued by the Defence Headquarters to individuals preparing for a countrywide protest, stressing that peaceful demonstrations are permissible but disorderliness will not be condoned.
From August 1 to August 10, 2024, the #EndBadGovernance protest is being coordinated with an emphasis on combating rampant hunger and inflation as its key objectives.
On Thursday, Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba announced at a press conference in Abuja that the military is ready to thwart any efforts aimed at transforming the protest into a violent disruption. According to Buba, “Although citizens have the privilege to engage in peaceful protests, they don’t possess authority for inciting anarchy and unleashing brutality.”
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He cautioned that the ongoing demonstration shares parallels with Kenya’s previous violent turmoil. He emphasized that the military will prevent their country from plunging into chaos, stating “we will not tolerate disorder in our nation.” Buba cited past experiences of warfare and anarchy evident during ECOMOG and peacekeeping missions as evidence for his stance.
Following a comparable demonstration in 2020 at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos, which resulted in military intervention, this cautionary message has been issued. In violation of the curfew pronounced by the government of Lagos State during that time, demonstrators persisted at the tollgate and were eventually forcefully dispersed by troops.
Notwithstanding the reports of deaths and injuries, both the Federal Government and military authorities discredited any accusations about them causing harm to demonstrators.
To prevent any possible unrest from spiraling into extensive violence, the Defence Headquarters is continuously vigilant.
