Apply caution in your agitations, the military told #EndSARS’ protesters on Thursday. It restated its preparedness to protect democracy in Nigeria, at all cost.
It condemned the reported attacks on protesters demanding the abolition of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and sweeping police reforms by “thugs and miscreants”.
The military warned that further attacks against “peace-loving Nigerians” will not be condoned, “hence, thugs and miscreants are hereby warned to desist from engaging in violent activities against peaceful Nigerians henceforth, or face appropriate measures”.
According to the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, “the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have observed with dismay some violence-related protests across the country; particularly the increasing number of attacks on peaceful protesters by thugs and miscreants.
“This unfolding event against peace-loving Nigerians will not be condoned. Hence, thugs and miscreants are hereby warned to desist from engaging in violent activities against peaceful Nigerians henceforth or face appropriate measures.
“Thus, the military high command duly encourages peaceful citizens to go about their normal activities without fear of intimidation or harassment as the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies are on the ground for their safety.
“In clear terms, any attempt to undermine the democracy of our beloved nation under any cover will not be allowed. For emphasis, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains subordinated to the civil authorities of the country with unflinching loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief.
“Additionally, the Military High Command wishes to reassure law-abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security, and the defence of democracy in Nigeria. The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies hereby commends all citizens particularly those who genuinely express their concerns in an organized, patriotic and civil manner.”
The leadership of the Nigerian Army appears it is lost in disconnect with the reality and the very reason the youths are angry! Let the truth be told, no amount of threat from the military or any instrument of coercion of the State can stop the masses from engaging in the festival of rage and protest against any antipeople policy or insensitivity of the government to the pains of the people! Issuing threat doesn’t make any impact and if it makes any impact, Boko haram and other security challenges should have stopped! Indecent and more civilised climes, the leadership of the police should have resigned by now just like the headship of the military and other security apparatus of the State should have resigned for failing to quell insecurity in record time! May the soul of Abacha rest in peace for declaring that a sitting government that cannot stop insurgency against its state in record time is an accessory! To stop the ongoing protest and more that will come, this government should think of ending poverty in Nigeria. Inequality and ethnic supremacy as demonstrated by this government must end if we really want the youths to calm down. Enough of empty shakara against legitimate demands of the oppressed, please!!!