#EndBadGovernance day 3 protest: Defence Chief vows to protect Nigeria from chaos; Protesters storm Ojota, Lagos; Jos protesters reconvenes, defy freezing weather

Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff has called on citizens to prevent the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest from descending into chaos, stating that the military would not stand idly by while destruction and looting is taking place.

He made the remark Friday in a press briefing with broadcast journalists while commending the professional conduct of the Nigerian security forces, particularly the police. He explained that there is a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and criminal activities.

“The armed forces and the entire security agencies will not stand by and see our country destroyed. We will take action, and the action will be taken professionally,” he stated.

The #EndBadGovernance protest that is ongoing nationwide started on Thursday. More than five people have been reported dead while several others were injured after the second day of the protest planned for 10 days. The authorities also said over 1000 people have been arrested for looting, vandalism and other sundry crimes since the beginning of the protest.

The CDS noted that the initial peaceful nature of the protests had been overshadowed by criminal elements seeking to cause chaos. “What we saw yesterday was, at the beginning, some semblance of a very peaceful demonstration, but which was quickly taken over by a bunch of criminals that don’t mean us well,” he said on Friday.

He urged Nigerians to remain patient and support the federal government, which he acknowledged has been in power for only one year and is working to address various challenges, including economic and security issues.

Musa stressed the importance of national unity and collaboration, calling on all Nigerians to work together to restore peace and promote economic growth.

“We know we are challenged as a nation, but we know we will overcome, working together as Nigerians,” he added.

Musa also addressed concerns about potential future protests, assuring citizens that the military is prepared to support the police if necessary.

In response to questions about specific incidents, the CDS acknowledged ongoing investigations into allegations of excessive force by security personnel and assured the public that any misconduct would be addressed.

Meanwhile, protests have entered day 3, with demonstrators demanding that President Bola Tinubu address their demand on the reduction in the cost-of-living crisis.

Placard-carrying young Nigerians say they are hungry, demanding lowering of the petrol price and ‘jobs and better management of the economy.’

One protester, Khadijat Oluwadare said she finished university in 2022 but is yet to secure a job.

“I have looked for a job for two years but can’t find any. I am 26, but most jobs are reserved for people who are 21-23. Why demand work experience in a nation where so many people don’t have jobs?” she said.

Nigeria is Africa’s biggest oil producer but citizens say they can’t see gains of that title. Inflation is over 34 percent, driven by high food prices. Food inflation is over 40 percent, with the naira sliding to N1,617/$ on Friday in the NAFEM market as against N760/$ a year earlier.

“We will continue until the President tells us how he will end bad governance. We want to have only one legislative house and we want a reduction in the cost of governance. We can’t be hungry while government officials fly expensive aircraft,” said Samuel Adonri, a protester at Ojota.

President Tinubu is yet to address the nation amid curfews in some states in the north due to violence and deaths across the region.

On the first day of protest, Thursday, protesters broke into Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy’s industrial park in Kano, carting away office furniture, chairs and other essential items while setting it ablaize.

In Jos, the plateau state capital, the old airport roundabout was on Saturday abuzz with activities as protesters reconvene for the third consecutive day, undeterred by the early morning cold. They were resolute in their demand for good governance and a government that prioritizes the people’s needs.

As at 8:40 am, more protesters were still arriving, swelling the ranks of those already gathered.

The atmosphere was charged, with protesters chanting slogans and waving placards that highlight their demands for better leadership.

“We are tired of being marginalized and ignored, It’s time for a government that truly represents the people to do something”; said one protester, who preferred to remain anonymous.