We Must Know Sponsors, Facilitators Behind Planned Protest, Says Tinubu’s Minister
With the #EndBadGovernance protest slated to begin on August 1, the Nigerian government is growing increasingly concerned about its inability to identify the masterminds behind the movement.
Despite intensified efforts to uncover the leaders of the protest, which is gaining widespread support across the country, the Federal Government remains in the dark about the individuals driving the demonstrations.
The #EndBadGovernance protest has been gaining traction among citizens frustrated with ongoing issues such as economic hardship, reversal of the fuel subsidy, corruption, and government mismanagement.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, on Thursday, expressed concern that the upcoming protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, is being organised by anonymous individuals.
Matawalle described it as unusual that the protest organisers were unidentified and called on them to come forward.
The minister’s comment comes amid warnings from security agencies about the planned nationwide protests sparked by economic hardship in the country.
He said, “The persons behind the protest, the sponsors and their facilitators are unknown. Who is the masquerade behind the so-called protesters? We need to know. This is strange and ominous that they are unknown.”
The minister said, “Let it also be clear that while our laws and international law allow peaceful protest, assembly and association; it does not legitimise violence and destruction. And no democracy will allow its citizens to be threatened by either internal or external aggression.
“Protests are constitutional rights; violence in the name of protest is a crime. There are clear provisions against crime in Nigeria as they are under international law. Both our laws and other international conventions are clear on the legality of restricting violent assembly and enforcing the law to protect the rights of others, to ensure national security, and to guarantee public safety and public order.
“We must be vigilant and not allow those with malicious intentions to disrupt our peace and unity.”
However, he advised those attempting to replicate the Kenyan situation in Nigeria to reconsider, stating, “Those seeking to bring the Kenyan experience to Nigeria should reflect on the repercussions it had for Kenya. Such an experience should be avoided in Nigeria, as it would hinder progress rather than advance it.
He called for collective responsibility in maintaining national peace and unity, urging Nigerians to reject any action that could lead to instability.
He affirmed the government’s readiness to listen to and address the concerns of the citizens through constructive engagement and dialogue.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday emphasised that protests are a vital aspect of democracy, but no government will tolerate demonstrations that result in the loss of lives and property.
While receiving the Letter of Credence from the new United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu shared his personal experience of participating in peaceful protests during the fight for democracy.
He stressed the importance of upholding democratic norms and institutions, saying, “Our relationship with America is rich, built on shared values of democracy and freedom.”
Tinubu expressed gratitude for the support of previous US ambassadors like Howard Jeter, during Nigeria’s transition to democracy.
He said he looked forward to continued cooperation between Nigeria and the US, highlighting his commitment to maintaining 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
“During the military era, I was part of the group that made our voices heard through peaceful protests, without resorting to destruction,” he added.
“Inasmuch as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,” he said.
