The Federal Government has alleged that the promoters behind the proposed nationwide protests are aiming to destabilize the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), urged the organizers to seek dialogue instead of creating disorder.
Onilu stressed that the NOA’s nationwide structure has identified the sponsors of the protests and potential flashpoints.
He reassured that measures are being taken to prevent any violent occurrences in these areas.
“The channels of communication with the government and its various arms remain open for dialogue.
“The government will continue to respect citizens’ rights to protest and associate freely in line with democratic principles,” Onilu said.
He pointed out that many of the protest organizers and their collaborators residing abroad have been identified.
According to Onilu, the intentions of these individuals go beyond concerns over governance or the economy, instead aiming to create chaos, incite violence, and pursue narrow political goals.
Onilu accused the protest organizers of attempting to paint a picture of an unstable country to the international community, as part of a strategy to intimidate the government and seek support from larger sponsors of the planned protests.
He said in response, the NOA is intensifying efforts in civil intelligence gathering and community sensitization.
He urged community leaders, parents, and youths across the 774 local government areas to remain vigilant and take preventive actions against potential unrest.
