ABUJA, Nigeria — In response to mounting demands for a nationwide protest over economic struggles, President Bola Tinubu convened an urgent meeting with governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, July 24, 2024.
The meeting, which began shortly after 1 p.m., did not reveal its official agenda. However, it is widely believed to address the upcoming protests slated for August 1 to August 10.
These protests are organized in response to severe economic difficulties, including rising living costs and high unemployment rates, which have led to widespread public dissatisfaction.
The meeting at the Presidential Villa underscores the administration’s recognition of the escalating tension and its potential implications for national stability.
While specific details of the discussions have not been made public, it is expected that strategies to alleviate economic concerns and manage the anticipated protests were central topics.
**Military Issues Warning Over #EndBadGovernance Protests**
As Nigeria prepares for a nationwide protest over worsening economic conditions, the military has issued a stern warning to organizers of the #EndBadGovernance protest to avoid any form of violence.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, July 24, 2024, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, made it clear that the military will not tolerate any threats to national order.
General Buba highlighted that the upcoming protest, which aims to address economic grievances, could potentially escalate into violence similar to recent unrest in Kenya.
While acknowledging citizens’ right to peaceful protest, General Buba emphasized the military’s commitment to preventing any violent disturbances.
“While citizens have the right to peaceful protest, they do not have the right to incite anarchy and cause terror,” General Buba warned. “It’s evident that the current protest plans might parallel the violent unrest seen in Kenya, which remains unresolved.”
He further warned of potential efforts by malicious actors to hijack the protest, turning it into a violent event targeting innocent Nigerians and their businesses.
“The level of anticipated violence could lead to anarchy,” he said. “The Armed Forces will not stand by and let our nation descend into chaos.”
Drawing from the military’s extensive experience in conflict zones and peacekeeping missions, General Buba cautioned against romanticizing war and its destructive consequences.
“Some view war as a mere spectacle, but they fail to grasp the real devastation it causes,” he added.
In addition to the military’s warning, the police have also issued advisories against any violent actions during the upcoming protests.
The #EndBadGovernance protest is scheduled to take place nationwide, including in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, throughout August.
Despite gaining traction on social media, the protest organizers remain anonymous.
In response, President Bola Tinubu, along with state governors and the ruling APC, has urged Nigerians to reconsider participating in the protests. They acknowledge the severe economic challenges facing the country, intensified by recent government measures such as the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows, which have led to soaring prices of food and essential goods.
As the protest approaches, the government and security forces remain on high alert to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and do not escalate into violence.
