The Chief of Defence of Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa has urged the media in Nigeria to stop giving undue publicity to the protesters.
The defence boos was speaking on the heels of the nationwide hunger protest embarked by some aggrieved Nigerians.
Recall that on Thursday, August 1, Nigerians, mostly youths took to the streets to protest the economic hardship in the country.
But the Chief of Defence Staff reacting to the publicity given to protest said, “I noticed that all the stations were hooked up to the protests the other day.
“The media should not do this. This is not an election,” Musa told newsmen in Abuja.
“We don’t give them that coverage for them to feel that some people just want to be on the screen.
“They are a bunch of people who believe it is only through the protest that they will be able to loot, steal, and destroy,” he said.
The CDS confirmed that most of the individuals causing chaos during the protests had been arrested. He, therefore, assured the public of the continued support from the police and military.
He stated that phone numbers would be made available to members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
Government had shown its commitment to allowing people to associate freely without restrictions.
“The only snag is that the protests have degenerated. We are disappointed with the outcome of the protests.
“The security forces, especially the Nigeria Police Force, have shown a lot of professionalism. Including where members of the armed forces had to step in.
“We have remained professional in our conduct. And will continue to do so as long as the citizens understand the difference between peace and criminality,” he said.
Musa described the initial phase of the protest as peaceful. He, however, regretted that it was quickly taken over by criminals.
The CDS, therefore, urged Nigerians to understand that the Federal Government is doing its best to address the country’s economic and security challenges.
source: NAN
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