Nationwide Protest: Stay In Barracks You Have No Business In Civil Matters, Your Threats Won’t Intimidate Anyone – Shuaibu Mukaddam To Nigerian Military

Legal analyst, Amb. Shuaibu Bashir Mukaddam, has slammed the Nigerian military for meddling in civil matters, stating that their recent warning against the planned nationwide protest is unwarranted. Mukaddam insisted that the military’s threat will not intimidate anyone, emphasizing that soldiers should remain in their barracks and steer clear of politics.

His comments come after the Defence Headquarters cautioned against anarchy, alleging that some individuals plan to hijack the protest, tagged #EndBadGovernance, and turn it violent. The protest, scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, aims to address widespread hunger and inflation in the country.

Mukaddam in a statement sent to TheMetroLawyer (TML) newsdesk, reiterated that the military should focus on external threats and the ongoing insecurity and kidnapping in the country, not internal civil matters. He stated: “The Nigerian military has no business issuing a statement on a civil matter. Nobody will be intimidated by your threat. Soldiers should stay in their barracks and stay out of politics”.

He also made it clear that he’s not supporting or against the protest but military should stay out of the picture in order to avoid escalation.

Mukaddam said in his statement to TheMetroLawyer (TML) “My attention has been drawn to a recent statement issued by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ), wherein they threatened to intervene in the planned nationwide protest because they believe it’ll turn to anarchy. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, made this declaration while briefing journalists in Abuja, stating that the military will not stand idly by.

“I wish to make it clear that I am neither supporting nor opposing the protest. However, I strongly believe that the military should stay out of civil matters and remain in their barracks. The threat of military intervention is unacceptable and will not intimidate anyone.

“It is essential to recognize that the military’s role is to protect the country from external threats, not to interfere in internal, peaceful protests, they should focus on the ongoing insecurity and kidnapping in the country. I urge the Nigerian Defence Headquarters to respect the democratic rights of citizens to assemble and express themselves freely.

“Let us prioritize dialogue, understanding, and peaceful resolution of grievances, rather than resorting to intimidation or force. The military’s involvement in civil matters can only lead to escalation and undermine the trust between the people and the government.

“I call on the Nigerian Defence Headquarters to retract their statement if the protest is to proceed or not it’s not their business to delve in”.

Amb. Shuaibu Bashir Mukaddam can be reached via shuaibubashir16@gmail.com