While the government respects citizens’ right to protest, evidence suggests that corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution are behind this plot, seeking to exploit the protest and threaten national peace
By Moses Okorie
The National Orientation Agency, NOA, said it has directed its 4000 staff nationwide to provide support to security agencies in order to prevent a breakdown of law in the country as well as to track and identify all those involved in planned violent protests especially around the vicinity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu had said.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Deputy Director Press of NOA, Mr. Paul Odenyi, the agency has activated its civil intelligence network, ordering its 812 offices around the country to identify incident spots and individuals nationwide involved in the planned protest.
He said this directive comes as the EFCC reported that certain individuals, especially those being investigated by the Commission, are mobilising youths, including school children, to stage a nationwide protest against the government.
According to Odenyi, the NOA DG Issa-Onilu, also urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to advise their wards against getting involved in the planned protest, saying the promoters of the uprising seek to destabilise the country and cut short investigation into their nefarious activities.
While directing the 4000 staff of the agency to work hard to provide support to security agencies to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country, it says the government will continue to provide channels for citizens’ feedback on any government policies, programmes and activities.
The NOA DG noted that while the government respects citizens’ right to protest, evidence suggests that corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution are behind this plot, seeking to exploit the protest and threaten national peace and security.
NOA, therefore, urges Nigerians to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest EFCC office or law enforcement agency or reach the NOA through the “Say Something” platform on the agency’s app, Mobiliser.