President Muhammadu Buhari had on Monday Dec. 7 in Abuja threatened to deal with anyone who will exhibit any act of hooliganism while hiding behind lawful and peaceful protests in order to ensure peace and stability in the country.
The president made this known while virtually declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020. President Buhari commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts at swiftly restoring law and order in various states during the large-scale criminality that ensued in the wake of the #ENDSARS protests.
While reiterating Government’s commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the land, the President recounted that the #ENDSARS protests were sadly hijacked by hooligans to cause wanton damage to lives and property in many cities across the country.
Furthermore, the President described the Year 2020 as a very challenging one, citing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impact on almost every aspect of national life.
Praising the army he said: ‘Despite this, I am pleased to note that the Army remained resolute in the discharge of its Constitutional roles and in keeping the wealth and welfare of our soldiers a priority. The Army’s support of Civil Authorities in the management of the COVID – 19 Pandemic is a case in point.
‘Also, the peaceful elections conducted in Edo and Ondo States would not have been achieved without the high level of professionalism displayed by all security agencies, including the Army,’ he said at the conference themed
‘Human Capacity Development in Sustaining Professionalism and Responsiveness of the Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles.’ he said.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
