The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, expressed concern over the proposed protest scheduled to take place from August 1-10, 2024. He emphasized that the organizers of the protest were unknown and urged them to reveal themselves. This statement comes in the midst of warnings from security agencies against the nationwide protests, citing economic hardship as a primary concern.
The Director of Information at the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, issued a statement calling on Nigerians to remain calm and disregard the planned national protest scheduled for the following week. The Minister stressed that the sponsors and facilitators of the protest were unidentified and questioned the motives behind the demonstration.
Matawalle reminded the organizers and sponsors of the protest that their actions should not undermine the efforts of the Federal Government to protect citizens from violence and maintain law and order. He emphasized that while peaceful protests are allowed by law, violence and destruction in the name of protest are considered criminal acts. The Minister highlighted that both Nigerian laws and international conventions are clear on the legality of restricting violent assembly and enforcing the law.
In summary, the Minister’s message emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from violence and maintaining law and order, while also acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest. However, he strongly condemned any form of violence or destruction associated with protests, reiterating that such actions are considered criminal under both Nigerian laws and international conventions.
