The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has warned against the proposed nationwide protest, saying the protest has the potential of degenerating into anarchy and a reign of terror.
The DHQ said the warning is based on the situational analysis by the military high command.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba. He made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the operations of the Armed Forces.
Buba stated that the military had thoroughly examined several factors towards the build to the protest. This include, whether or not the planned protest was motivated by opposition politics, independent parties, sovereign interference or terrorist groups, amongst others.
He noted that the military also examined to ascertain whether other organizations had created the situation by feeding on Nigerians’ frustrations.
Having said that, Buba stated that, “However, for us in the military, the Constitution is clear as to how and when the military gets involved.
“The Constitution also clearly defines the roles and functions of the Armed Forces.
“On the other hand, while citizens have a Constitutional right to peaceful protest, they do not have a right to mobilize for anarchy in order to unleash terror.
“The contemporary context of the planned protest is to shadow happenings in Kenya. Which have so far, been violent and unresolved to date.
“Given the situation, there are already indicators that unscrupulous elements are bent on hijacking the planned protest for violent purposes,’’ he said.
The Defence spokesman maintained that there were signs of status-related violence. Such that persons with things as basic as smartphones and cars were targets. This is not leaving out those who own houses and shops.
“Other potential targets include places of worship, businesses, markets, persons of other ethnic groups, and members of opposing political parties.
“Based on the foregoing, the level of violence envisaged is best described as a state of anarchy.
“It is for this reason; the armed forces will not watch and allow the nation spiral out of control to such low levels.
“Basically, the military has been exposed to wars. And has witnessed situations of anarchy in countries ravaged by war, particularly during ECOMOG or during peacekeeping operations.
“It is for this reason that troops will act dutifully to forestall such ugly occurrences from happening in our nation.’’
Buba, therefore, urged the citizens to note that both the timing and the atmosphere are instructive. He stated that the hardship in the country has made the planned protest different from others in the past.
He added that it was incumbent upon all to quench the fires of violence rather than ignite them.
“It is time to let cool heads prevail this time. This is in order for the government to further remedy the situation. And to make our nation flourish again,’’ he added.
source: NAN
Follow us for more news on our WhatsApp News Channels @
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaC505jB4hdZ5Yx9g82U