Amid growing tensions and economic challenges, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode has issued a strong warning against a planned nationwide protest under the banner of #Endbadgovernanceprotest, labelling it a premeditated attempt to destabilize the country.
“There is nothing wrong with a peaceful demonstration and a lawful, legitimate protest. What is unacceptable is a premeditated attempt by a group of faceless individuals who are on the payroll of subversive elements to destabilize the country and incite people to violence and carnage,” Fani-Kayode stated.
He expressed concern that the protest, branded as a #nationwidestrike, is an orchestrated effort to provoke the security forces into mutiny and rebellion against the government, thereby threatening the nation’s democracy.
“Those behind it are attempting to take advantage of the undoubtedly enormous economic challenges in the land to create panic, fear, chaos, and mass unrest with a view to provoking anarchy, mayhem, and armed insurrection,” Fani-Kayode continued. “This is unacceptable, and no responsible government will sit back and allow it to happen.”
Fani-Kayode urged the organizers to reconsider their plans and avoid provoking a reaction from the security forces that they might later regret. He cautioned against the risk of igniting a repeat of the #EndSARS protests, which were marked by widespread violence, division, and significant property damage.
“We do not want or need a nationwide #EndSARS-like round of protests, and neither can we afford the attendant violence, strife, division, damage to property, and bloodshed that comes with it,” he said.
Fani-Kayode called for patience and dialogue with the Federal Government as a way forward, advocating for the expression of collective concerns in a lawful, restrained, responsible, and legitimate manner.
“Anything outside of that will be dangerous and counter-productive,” he concluded.