The Nigerian military has warned the organisers of the nationwide protest (scheduled to hold August 1 due to the economic hardship in the country) against any form of violence whatsoever.
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations had issued the warning at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, July 25.
Major Gen. Buba had further warned that the military would not allow anarchy to happen to Nigeria.
According to him, the organisers of the planned protest had plans to replicate the recent violent protests seen in Kenya when they protested the new taxes imposed on them.
What They’re Saying
“While citizens have the right to peaceful protest, they do not have the right to mobilise for anarchy and unleash terror.” Major Gen. Buba was quoted as saying.
“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.”
The military general further said that the level of violence being envisaged by his intelligence units could only be categorised as an outlet for anarchy.
“The Armed Forces on its part will not stand by and allow anarchy to befall our nation”, he concluded.
Why It Matters
The military is right in its concerns of anarchy during the protests given what happened during the Kenyan protests however, caution needs to be exercised between both demonstrators and the military to avoid possible blood shed and loss of life.
