Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the protesters to maintain peace and avoid the destruction of properties amid growing concerns that the demonstrations have been hijacked by criminal elements and political actors with nefarious intentions.
This was made known in a statement signed by Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, on Thursday.
In the statement the organization shared with the media, it expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security situation and the influence of non-state actors in several states, including Kano and Kaduna states.
CISLAC also condemned provocative statements made by public officials, including the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which have exacerbated tensions and incited further unrest. “Reckless and provocative statements by public officials can incite Nigerians to take to the streets. Such statements undermine the legitimacy of the protesters’ concerns and should be avoided.”
The organization called for the protection of demonstrators and appealed to leaders to prevent violence, emphasising that protests should remain peaceful and focused on legitimate grievances.
“The government should stop politicising security in Kano and protect the lives and properties of all.
The balkanization of properties and killings witnessed are not in tandem with what innocent Nigerians are calling for,” the statement continued.
Furthermore, CISLAC criticised the government’s alleged sponsorship of counter-protests aimed at undermining the legitimate demonstrations. “The government’s actions have endangered peaceful protesters, leading to attacks and hijacking by thugs and non-state actors,” Rafsanjani added.
CISLAC had previously called on the government to ensure the protection of peaceful protesters, a measure that, if properly implemented, could have prevented the current state of chaos. “We have observed troubling trends and urge genuine protesters to continue their demonstrations peacefully to prevent criminals from exploiting the situation.”
The statement concluded with a plea to respected leaders across the country to ensure an end to the violence and destruction. “We appeal to all Nigerians to avoid any violent, criminal, and political destruction. The protests, meant to address legitimate concerns, should not be equated with criminal activities and violence.”
