The Nigerian military has stated that the organiser of the nationwide protest seems to be emulating the violent demonstrations in Kenya, which remain unresolved.
It added that the level of violence being envisaged can only be described as a stage for anarchy, noting that the Armed Forces, on its part, will not stand by and allow anarchy to befall the country.
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Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the statement at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
“While citizens have the right to peaceful protest, they do not have the right to mobilise for anarchy and unleash terror,” Buba said.
“It is easy to see that the contemporary context of the planned protest is to shadow the outrage in Kenya, which I must say is violent and remains unresolved.”
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The planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest, scheduled for next month, aims to address Nigeria’s economic crisis.
While the protest’s organisers are unknown, the Nigerian government, including President Bola Tinubu and several governors, has urged citizens to postpone the protest due to concerns about potential violence and instability.
Buba also warned that the military will not tolerate anarchy in Nigeria, stating that the organisers of the planned protest intend to replicate the recent protest-turned-anarchy demonstration in the East African country of Kenya.
He stated that, while citizens have the right to express their grievances, the military will not tolerate any form of violent gathering or protest.
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Buba disclosed that the military has uncovered plots by unscrupulous elements to hijack the protest and turn it into a violent one by attacking innocent Nigerians and their businesses.
“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.
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“This is because we have seen wars and have witnessed anarchy in countries with which we have operated, particularly in times of ECOMOG (Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group) and during our peacekeeping operations in various countries.”
He also noted that some individuals fantasise about war, thinking that it is like watching a movie, but they can not imagine the destruction that comes with it.
