Protest Tensions Rise As CSOs Challenge Military Alert For October 1 Demonstrations

Protest Tensions Rise As CSOs Challenge Military Alert For October 1 Demonstrations....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Defence Headquarters announced on Monday that troops have been placed on alert to support the police during the nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday. Senior lawyers and civil society organizations (CSOs), however, cautioned against deploying the military, warning that such a move could escalate tensions and lead to violence…….CONTINUE READING 

The protest, titled #FearlessInOctober, is a continuation of the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held in August, which responded to the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians. These earlier protests led to violence in some parts of the country, particularly in the North, where looting occurred, and some demonstrators waved Russian flags, calling for a regime change.

Authorities arrested over 30 protesters carrying Russian flags, including a flag producer, Ahmed Bello, in Kano. Ten of the protesters have been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of treason and incitement. The authorities believe the protesters were influenced by a 70-year-old British national, Andrew Wynne, who remains at large.

Speaking on the military’s role in maintaining security for the October 1 protest, the Director of Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, confirmed that troops are on alert to assist the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining law and order. He emphasized that the military’s involvement would be in accordance with constitutional provisions, particularly in the event of a breakdown in law and order.

However, military representatives from various states, including Bauchi and Borno, have clarified that the military’s role remains supportive and contingent on requests from the police. Public Relations Officer for the 33 Artillery Brigade in Bauchi, Solomon Hallet, stated that while the military is always ready, they had not received any formal request from the police for assistance. Similarly, Lt. Col. A.Y. Jingina from Division 7 in Borno confirmed that troops in the state are on “high alert” but did not disclose the number of personnel involved.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has deployed personnel and equipment for the Independence Day celebration, though it remained silent on its preparations for the protest. FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh announced the deployment of anti-riot equipment and personnel to ensure a peaceful celebration and manage traffic diversions, particularly around areas like Eagle Square where protesters plan to gather.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also announced the deployment of 3,500 personnel across the FCT for the Independence Day festivities, with special units mobilized to prevent any potential unrest.

Protest organizers, including the Take It Back Movement’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, have called on Nigerians affected by economic hardships to join the protest. Despite restrictions imposed by the FCT Administration and Lagos State Government, Sanyaolu urged protesters to defy these limitations, emphasizing their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

However, legal experts have expressed concern over the planned military deployment. Senior lawyer Kunle Adegoke (SAN) argued that calling in the military could aggravate the situation, while Mike Ozekhome (SAN) stressed that soldiers are trained for external threats, not internal protests. Another lawyer, Mohammed Mohammed, emphasized the need for police involvement, stating that military intervention should only occur if the police are overwhelmed.

Civil society groups have echoed these sentiments, warning that military involvement could create an atmosphere of intimidation, undermining the citizens’ right to peaceful protest. They urged the government to focus on dialogue with protesters to ensure the demonstrations remain peaceful and avoid violent suppression.

In Ogun and Kwara States, court rulings have limited the locations where protests can take place, with designated venues specified to avoid disruption to public order.

As the protest approaches, the National Human Rights Commission has called on protesters to act within the law and urged law enforcement agents to respect the protesters’ rights. The commission emphasized the importance of protests in a democracy, while calling on the government to ensure the safety of both protesters and non-protesters alike.

Despite these precautions, concerns remain over potential unrest, with reports indicating that some groups, including the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, may attempt to disrupt the Independence Day celebrations. Authorities have vowed to ensure security and maintain law and order throughout the day.