#EndBadGovernance: 4 Things The Military Told Protesters

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Friday, described the extent of the destruction that followed the #EndBadGovernance protest as crazy, pointing out that the military will intervene if necessary.

At the press conference in the nation’s capital Abuja, Musa issued a stern warning to looters exploiting the #EndBadGovernance protests, urging them to stop the destruction of lives and properties.

Here are the four major things it said to the protesters:

Military may step in

He stated that while the police are currently managing the situation, the military is on standby and will intervene if necessary. The military is prepared to support the police and ensure stability.

The statement comes in the wake of the various looting and violence reported in some parts of the country, which has also prompted governors to declare curfews in more than four states in the country.

He said, “Yesterday (Thursday), we saw the level of destruction that has been carried out. Just yesterday. So you can imagine if this continues for so long. Yesterday, we saw some people breaking down houses, stealing windows and doors. It was just crazy yesterday and we don’t want that to happen again.

“The Armed Forces and the entire security agencies will not stand by and see that to continue. We want to warn those that are recalcitrant; those that don’t want to listen that we will not fold our arms and allow this country to be destroyed.

“We will take action and the action we will take, we will take it professionally. Anyone that is caught will be taken to court and will be dealt with,” he said.

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“There are a bunch of people who believe that it is only through this medium that they will be able to loot, steal and destroy. And that is what they tried to do yesterday but we have arrested most of them that broke into places to steal and they will be prosecuted accordingly,” he added.

The media

The CDS also acknowledged the importance of the media but also advised them not to give relevance to people he referred to as ‘faceless’ sponsors and protesters disrupting the peace of the country. He urged the media not to give some people “who want a moment of fame” the opportunity.

We will reveal the sponsors

General Musa revealed that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend individuals sponsoring the looting. He urged the media not to give undue attention to those seeking fame through these actions. “We are also going behind to ensure that we also identify those that are involved; there are individuals who are sponsoring them, pushing them to do this, we are going after them,” he said.

Avoid destruction

General Musa appealed to peaceful protesters to prevent troublemakers from inciting violence. He acknowledged the nation’s challenges but stressed the importance of working together to avoid bringing further chaos. “We know we are challenged as a nation but we know we will overcome working together as Nigerians… Let us avoid anything that will bring mayhem to our country,” he said.