The National Security Council has warned that it will not accept the push for a change of government in the country and has described the use of foreign flags as treasonous.
This came against the backdrop of a trending video of some protesters openly inviting the military to takeover government.
Emerging from the meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who spoke for the council, said that they military will go after protesters bearing foreign flags which he said impinges on the sovereignty of the country.
He said the action is treasonous, adding that President Tinubu has directed that such must not be allowed to hold sway.
General Musa also noted that the #EndBadGovernance which started as a peaceful protest, has turned to riot, saying that as previously hinted, the military has decided to move in as a result.
Briefing correspondents after the meeting, he said: “We wanted to brief Mr. President on the situation on ground and we know that since the riot has started, all the security agencies you can see all of us together.
“Initially, when the riot, started they said it was a peaceful riot, but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem. And we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening.
“Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation. All security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to thrive.
“We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government.
“Democracy is what we stand for democracy is what will continue to defend.
“And we are all standing here together to show Nigerians that we’re working closely, we are working together with synergy to ensure that there’s still peace and tranquility in Nigeria that we have assured Mr. President.”
General Musa denied that soldiers have been involved in looting along with others under the ongoing protest.
Asked about it, he said: “No. I think it has been cleared, I think it was also a misconception. They actually have seen those things and they wanted to clear them away from that are and that’s what was done. We have investigated thoroughly, the Chief of Army Staff is here. We have investigated thoroughly and there is nothing like such no member of the Armed Forces fall into doing that. And he’s very clear.
“We’ve said that clearly that the military is going to step in when it is out of hand and you can see that for people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria sovereignty, that is crossing the red line and we will not accept that. And those ones who have done that will go in for the books and they want to be prosecuted.”
The National Security Council meeting was held amid the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, which continued in Abuja on Monday despite President Tinubu’s attempt to pacify Nigerians in his Sunday national broadcast.
The meeting caused the indefinite postponement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) earlier scheduled for day.
The council meeting was attended by all heads of security and law enforcement agencies inside the president’s office.
Specifically at the meeting was Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the CDS) and the three service chiefs; as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
Also in the meeting were the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col Adewale Adeniyi; as well as the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap.
Nigerian Tribune
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