Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa
By Victory Oghene
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has warned that the military will intervene if the ongoing nationwide hunger and #EndBadGovernance protests persist violently.
The warning was given on Friday by Gen Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) while speaking in reaction to the vandalisation and looting of properties that characterised the protest in many parts since the commencement of the protest.
He said, “We know we are challenged as a nation, but we will overcome by working together as Nigerians. Let us avoid actions that could bring chaos.
“Yesterday’s events were alarming, with people breaking into homes and stealing. We won’t allow this to continue. The Armed Forces and security agencies are ready to intervene professionally, and offenders will be prosecuted.”
He added, “Many believe looting is their only opportunity, but we have arrested those responsible and they will face legal consequences.”
Sahara Reporter reports that the army chief appealed to the media to blackout the protesters describing some of them as media attention seekers.
Gen. Musa, urged both international and local media to stop covering the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests over economic hardships under President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The CDS made the appeal during a press briefing on Friday.
“For the media, I want to appeal — I noticed yesterday all the stations are hooked up to the occasion. This is not an election. Don’t give them that coverage,” Musa said.
“Some of them (protesters) are looking for moments to be on the screen. Together, I can assure you we are going to win,” he added.
The call for a media blackout comes on the second day of demonstrations that have disrupted commercial activities across the country.
Both local and international media have been reporting on the protests, which have seen thousands of Nigerians take to the streets over the worsening cost of living.
The hunger protest is scheduled for 1 to 10 of August across the 36 states of the federation including FCT.
