Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Musa has warned that the military will intervene if the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests continue to escalate into violence. This statement follows widespread vandalism and looting in various parts of the country on Thursday.
In Kano, protesters looted and set parts of the newly built Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park ablaze. Scheduled for commissioning next week, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre saw youths stealing desktop computers, chairs, keyboards, and other equipment.
The protest, which has also turned violent in Yobe, Lagos, Borno, Gombe, and Abuja, has resulted in at least 14 deaths. Organizers have dubbed the nationwide demonstrations as “10 Days of Rage and #EndBadGovernance.”
During a press conference on Friday, Musa urged protesters to recognize that the destruction is counterproductive and would only hinder national progress. “We should realize that these destructions and monies have to be used—monies for development will have to be used to develop these things so we can move forward. Instead of doing that, we should come together to make sure nothing is destroyed. The statement has already been passed to the local, state, and federal governments,” he said.
Musa commended the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for its efforts to maintain order but added that the military would be forced to step in if violence continues. “We want to warn those that are recalcitrant, those that don’t want to listen, that we will not fold our hands and see our country destroyed,” the CDS stated.
“We will take action, and the action that we’ll take will be professional. Anyone who is caught will be taken to the courts to be dealt with. Let us avoid anything that will bring mayhem within our communities. We have seen the level of destruction that has been carried out just yesterday, and so you can imagine if this continues for so long. The armed forces and the entire military security agencies will not stand by and see that continue.”
The military chief also urged the media to reduce coverage of the protests, noting that some protesters are seeking screen time. “I noticed throughout yesterday all the stations were hooked up on the occasion. This is not an election, don’t give them that coverage because some of them are just looking for moments of being on the screen,” he remarked.
Musa appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government, stating that policies have been enacted and actions taken to alleviate economic hardships.
