The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has expressed concern over the proposed protest planned for August 1-10, 2024, noting that it is being organized by anonymous individuals, unlike previous protests where the leaders were known.
In his statement, Matawalle challenged the organizers to reveal their identities, describing their anonymity as unusual and ominous. His comments come amid warnings from security agencies against the nationwide protests, which are in response to the economic hardship in the country.
The Director of Information for the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, issued a statement on Thursday urging Nigerians to remain calm and to disregard the planned protest.
“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.
Matawalle reminded the organizers that their plans should not undermine the Federal Government’s efforts to protect citizens from violence and maintain law and order. He emphasized that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, violence in the name of protest is a crime.
“Our laws and international law allow peaceful protest, assembly, and association; it does not legitimize violence and destruction. 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,” he stated.
He also highlighted that both Nigerian laws and international conventions provide for restricting violent assemblies to protect the rights of others, ensure national security, and guarantee public safety and order.
“We must be vigilant and not allow those with malicious intentions to disrupt our peace and unity,” Matawalle added.
He warned against replicating the recent unrest in Kenya, urging those considering such actions to reconsider, as it would set Nigeria back rather than move it forward.
Matawalle called for collective responsibility in maintaining national peace and unity, urging Nigerians to reject any actions that could lead to instability. He affirmed the Federal Government’s readiness to address citizens’ concerns through constructive engagement and dialogue.
