Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has spoken about the ongoing protests taking place in Abuja, cautioning organisers and participants to ensure that the demonstrations do not fall into the hands of individuals with harmful intentions.
Speaking during a recent address, the Defence Minister acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to express their views through peaceful protests. However, he stressed the importance of exercising caution, noting that public demonstrations can sometimes be exploited by criminal elements, leading to violence, destruction of property, and loss of lives.
According to Musa, security agencies are not against lawful protests but remain concerned about the potential consequences when gatherings are infiltrated by troublemakers. He warned that such situations could result in injuries, fatalities, and wider security challenges for the country.
The minister also used the opportunity to defend the Nigerian military, stating that members of the armed forces continue to make significant sacrifices in the line of duty despite facing criticism and insults from some members of the public. He noted that soldiers remain committed to protecting lives and property across the country, often operating under difficult and dangerous conditions.
In his remarks, Musa said: “I have been seeing of recent some social media giants in Nigeria going around trying to rise protests. Nobody is stopping anyone from protesting, but we should always remember the unintended consequences, because these protests might be hijacked and people might be k!ll£d or injûred. Many soldiers continue to bear the consequences of their service to our nation through their sacrifices after they are being insûlted by the same people they are protecting”
The Defence Minister further emphasized that many military personnel have endured hardships and made personal sacrifices while serving the nation. He stated that despite negative comments directed at them, soldiers continue to perform their duties with restraint and professionalism in order to maintain peace and stability.
He urged citizens to ask themselves a simple but important question every night before going to bed: “What positive contribution have I made to my country today?”
His comments have generated reactions from Nigerians online, with some supporting his appeal for national unity and constructive engagement, while others continue to defend the right of citizens to protest and express dissatisfaction with government policies. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate about balancing democratic freedoms with concerns about security and public order in Nigeria.
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