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As Nigeria’s youth-led protests against economic hardship reached a fever pitch on Tuesday, the military high command held its ground, rejecting outright the demonstrators’ demands for a seismic shift in government.
Nigeria’s military leadership, represented by Gen. Christopher Musa and Lieut. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, convened a National Security press conference in Abuja, where they collectively underscored the military’s dedication to defending the country’s democratic institutions and rebuffed demands for a regime change.
‘We recognized the right of Nigerians to protest and we’re mindful that we are being paid by Nigerians. We are ready to protect all Nigerians but we won’t allow people to change democratic government through the back doors. Such calls and acts will be treated as treason and felony,’ he said.
Monday’s #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano and Kaduna states took an unexpected turn when some protesters, mostly young people, emerged waving Russian flags, as they joined the chorus of voices demanding a change in government.
The demonstrators further amplified their demands by appealing for foreign assistance to tackle Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, a move that could potentially pave the way for external involvement in the country’s internal affairs.
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Army Chief Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja reiterated the military’s steadfast dedication to protecting the Constitution and preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity, assuring the nation of the officers’ preparedness to fulfill their sworn duty.
Nigeria’s mass protests, sparked by soaring costs of electricity, fuel, transportation, and healthcare on August 1, took a dark turn as violence erupted in various parts of the country, prompting authorities to impose a curfew after public property and government offices were ravaged and looted in multiple northern states.
At least 17 people have lost their lives in the violent clashes between protesters and police, as the situation continues to deteriorate. In response, officials have cracked down on those believed to have co-opted the peaceful protests for their own destructive purposes, arresting several suspects for vandalism and looting.
Though the exact number of arrests and further details remain under wraps, officials have confirmed that the perpetrators will be brought to justice, with charges pending in the near future, marking a significant step towards accountability.
