*US, UK, Canada Advise, Caution Citizens

THE Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, has stated that nobody can stop Nigerians from protesting.

Speaking on a television programme on Sunday, July 28, while addressing concerns about the federal government’s stance on the protests planned for August 1 to10, Ngelale stated that the government does not want to “dominate” Nigerians, adding: “Let me be clear: we are not in office to dominate our people; we are here to serve them.”

He insisted that no organ of the administration “has the authority” to prevent Nigerians from protesting, adding: “No one in our administration has the authority to deny Nigerians their right to peaceful protest.”

Ngelale, however, re-echoed fears of a potential hijack of the protests by hoodlums and political opponents, as witnessed during the #EndSARS protest of 2020.

      This is even as the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK) and Canada expressed worry over the possibility of outbreak of violence during the #EndBadGovernance protest.

In separate travel alerts, the countries cautioned their nationals in Nigeria to avoid getting caught in the confrontation that might occur between the security agencies and protesters, citing past incidences.

To forestall attacks and looting of their shops and wares, market leaders in Abuja, Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Ogun, Osun, Zamfara, Gombe and other parts of the country have requested strong security around markets during the protest.

This is even as the Police authorities have recalled all personnel on non-essential duties, including mobile policemen attached to individuals to “muster sufficient officers to dominate the public space.”

Spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, said this was in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, adding: “The IGP ordered the withdrawal of policemen from some beats to augment our strength.

“Those withdrawn are those on non-essential duties. We’re going to have men to fortify banks and critical assets. That is where we will have our men, we want our men to be back to base.”

In the security advisory published on its website on Friday, July 16, the US Mission in Abuja advised Americans to avoid getting caught in the rallies, urging them to avoid crowds and demonstrations and monitor local media for updates.

It stated: “Monitor local media for updates; avoid crowds, avoid demonstrations, be aware of your surroundings, review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency; carry proper identification.

“The consular sections of Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos will remain open during regular business hours and consular services will be provided as scheduled.”

The UK High Commission asked British citizens in Nigeria to exercise caution when travelling, avoid large crowds and gatherings and monitor media reports.

The advisory added: “Take care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events, which attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, do not try to make your way through it. Turn around and move to safety.

“Incidents of inter-communal violence occur frequently and often without warning throughout Nigeria. Although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack. Monitor local government announcements and media reporting.”

On its part, the Canadian government told its citizens: “If you’re in Nigeria, expect a heightened security presence, remain vigilant at all times, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstration.”

Obi, during a visit to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, said there was nothing wrong if Nigerians wished to embark on a protest to drive home their grievances, noting: “Protest is allowed within the Nigerian constitution. All I plead for is for those who are protesting to do so within the law and in a civil manner that allows us as a nation to show that we live within the law.

“Everybody knows that things are difficult and I always say that when they talk about the sponsors of protests, the sponsors are very simple; they are hunger and hopelessness among the youths.

“So, we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through and I thank Otti for doing so. It is critical and important.

        “What I have to say to the security agencies is to ensure that they manage the situation within the law. We should not try to be overbearing. It should be something that we do within the law.

“Protest is allowed globally. And, I also say that people protest in my house and it is for us to listen to those who are protesting and why they are protesting and engage them. That is what governance is all about, you talk with them, and there is nothing wrong in that.

“I was governor for years and people protested and we kept dialoguing and deliberating about it.”

But the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communications, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, challenged Obi to lead the protest.

Reacting to Obi’s statement, Onanuga, who had earlier accused him and his supporters of being behind the planned nationwide protest, challenged him to copy the example of Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari, who led protests as opposition leaders, instead of playing ‘the master puppeteer’ behind the scene.

Onanuga, in a short post on his X handle, said: “Now that Peter Obi has come out to endorse the planned protest by his supporters, he should do what Tinubu and Buhari did in the past by coming out openly to lead the protesters.

“That is what leadership is about; not playing the master puppeteer behind the scene. He should be in the forefront.”