In a stern address on Friday, the military warned those exploiting the #EndBadGovernance protests to desist from looting and destruction. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, labeled the initial day’s mayhem as “crazy,” promising swift action against any further chaos.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja during the second day of protests against economic hardship, General Musa declared that the Armed Forces would not tolerate continued lawlessness. Highlighting that the Bola Tinubu administration has been in power for a year, he urged Nigerians to be patient with the government’s efforts to boost economic activities, attributing the current crisis to global phenomena.
Why It Matters
As the #EndBadGovernance protests spread across Nigeria, tension was strong. On Thursday and Friday, demonstrators clashed with police, who used tear gas to disperse crowds. The situation deteriorated as hoodlums seized the opportunity to loot public and private properties, prompting curfews in volatile areas imposed by several state governments, including Kano, Borno, Yobe, and others. Amnesty International reported fatalities, including a murdered policeman, injuries, and arson at police stations.
The nationwide demonstrations, propelled by social media, began on August 1, 2024, and are slated to continue until August 10. Protesters are reacting to rising prices of food and basic commodities, severe inflation, and economic policies like the removal of petrol subsidies and forex unification. Their demands include restoring subsidies, addressing food shortages, reducing unemployment, curbing wasteful government spending, and reforming key institutions like INEC and EFCC to combat corruption.
What They Are saying
General Musa emphasized the need for peaceful protests, warning against allowing troublemakers to incite further violence. He stressed that the military would act professionally to prevent the destruction witnessed on Thursday from repeating. The defence chief assured that anyone caught looting or inciting violence would face justice.
While praising the police for managing the situation, General Musa indicated the military’s readiness to step in if necessary. “The Armed Forces are on standby,” he stated, “and we will take action if the situation escalates beyond police control.”
General Musa also mentioned efforts to identify and prosecute those sponsoring the unrest. He urged the media to avoid giving undue attention to individuals seeking fame through destructive actions.
Bottom Line
As Nigeria navigates this period of unrest, the military’s message is clear, looting and violence will not be tolerated, and steps are being taken to restore order and address the underlying economic issues fueling the protests.
