This Is Not An Election, Says Chief Of Defence Staff, Urges Media To Stop Covering Protest
According to Punch, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, has called on Nigerian media to limit their coverage of the End Bad Governance protests, asserting that it is “not an election thing”.
Addressing newsmen at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, General Musa stated that some individuals are using the protests as a platform to gain media attention. “For the media, I want to also appeal. I noticed throughout yesterday that all the stations were hooked up for the occasion,” he said. “This is not an election thing. Don’t give them that coverage for them to feel; because there are some of them that are looking for moments of being on the screen.”
He expressed confidence that the situation is under control, noting that the intensity of the protests has diminished. “Together, I can assure you we’re going to win, and we’re winning. Since today, we have seen the level to which it has really gone down. Most state governors that decided on a state of emergency have called it off and are working together as Nigerians for Nigerians.”
The Defence Chief pointed out that while the protests began peacefully, they were quickly hijacked by “a bunch of criminals” aiming to create 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. And if you remember, we have warned that there are individuals that are ready to cause mayhem once this starts,” he said.
Musa urged Nigerians to recognize the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing the country’s challenges. “The present regime is just for less than one year, and it is not possible for them to have solved every financial and economic situation within a year. But I’m sure if we’re truthful to ourselves, efforts have been made and have continued to be made.”
He highlighted the ongoing improvements in both economic and security situations, emphasizing that progress is being made. “We have seen policies that have been made to address the economic situation on the ground, including the security situation. Things are improving. We are not where we are, but I can assure you, we’re heading there. And if we have the support of everyone together, we can bring total peace.”
General Musa also warned against the continued destruction of properties, stating that such actions would not be tolerated. “Yesterday, we saw the level of destruction that had been carried out. You can imagine if this continues for so long. We want to tell those who are recalcitrant that we will not watch our country burn. We will take action, and anyone who is caught will be taken to court…….See_More
