Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has dissuaded the media from giving undue coverage to the recent protests in cities across the country, emphasising that it is not an election.
During an address to the media on Friday, Musa said that the government has shown its commitment to allowing people to associate freely without restrictions. However, he expressed disappointment 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,” Musa said. “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.”
Musa described the initial phase of the protest as peaceful but noted that it was quickly taken over by criminals. He urged Nigerians to understand that the federal government is doing its best to address the country’s financial, economic, and security challenges.
“The president’s regime is just there for less than one year. It is not possible for them to have solved every situation within one year. Efforts have been made, policies have been implemented to address the economic situation on the ground,” he added. “We are heading in the right direction, and with the support of everyone, we can bring total peace and the economy will pick up.”
Musa also highlighted his recent visit to the Niger Delta to ensure an increase in oil production, which is crucial for funding the economy. He called on Nigerians to avoid actions that could lead to further destruction and assured them that the armed forces and security agencies would not stand by and watch the country be destroyed.
“The armed forces and the entire security agencies will not stand by and see that continue. We will take action professionally, and anyone caught will be taken to court to be dealt with,” he warned.
Musa appealed to the media, stating, “This is not an election. Don’t give them that coverage. 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 confirmed that most of the individuals causing chaos during the protests have been arrested and assured the public of continued support from the police and military. He also mentioned that phone numbers would be made available to the public for reporting any suspicious activities immediately.
NNEOMA UDENSI
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