Security experts from the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) have advised against the planned national protest set for August 1, urging organizers to reconsider and cancel the event to prevent potential anarchy.
The experts expressed concerns that the protest could be taken over by unpatriotic individuals, leading to disruptions similar to those witnessed during the #EndSARS protests, which resulted in significant loss and destruction.
In a statement released on Thursday, AANISS President Chief Mike Ejiofor highlighted the association’s empathy with Nigerians facing socio-economic challenges and acknowledged the federal government’s efforts to alleviate these issues. However, they cautioned that while peaceful protests are a democratic right, the risks of it being hijacked could compromise peace and security.
The statement reads: “AANISS is deeply concerned about the socio-economic difficulties currently faced by Nigerians and acknowledges the government’s efforts to provide relief. Nevertheless, we are troubled by the planned nationwide protest on August 1. We fear that it could be exploited by elements seeking to undermine peace and stability, as seen during the recent #EndSARS protests which caused significant damage and loss.
“We urge those organizing the protest to reconsider and allow the government more time to address the issues through peaceful means. We commend the federal government for initiatives such as the new minimum wage and student loans, but further urgent action is needed to tackle the worsening economic hardships. Let us work together to find peaceful solutions to our nation’s problems.”
