Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has labelled the organisers of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests as “bandits and idiots.”
He said that these individuals, allegedly residing in countries like Australia, the United States, and Finland, are orchestrating unrest in Nigeria from abroad.
Shettima made these remarks on Saturday during a wedding ceremony in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
The event, where the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi, gave out four of his daughters in marriage, provided a platform for Shettima to voice his concerns about the upcoming protests.
In his speech, Shettima urged Nigerians to disregard the calls for protest, scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024, emphasising that such actions would only lead to chaos and destruction.
“The only way we can show solidarity with the governor is for our people to shy away from dancing to the tune of the bandits and idiots who are fomenting mischief from the comfort of Australia, of Finland, and the United States – all the so-called social media influencers,” he said.
He further warned against the dangers of following external influences, drawing parallels with conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Sudan.
“They are not in this country; we need to learn a lot of lessons from what happened in Syria and in Libya.
“So, what they are agitating for is a road to Khartoum, what they are agitating for is a road to Damascus, what they are clamouring for is a path to Tripoli,” Shettima stated, expressing hope that Nigerians would not fall prey to such influences.
The Vice President stressed the need for peace and unity in Nigeria, arguing that protests could lead to the loss of lives and property.
“There can never be development without peace; there can never be peace without development.
“I wish to implore all our youths not to follow the path of anarchy, of destruction,” he urged.
He also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges, which he described as mostly inherited.
Shettima called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the nation’s economy and social welfare.
“In no distant time, all of the administration’s efforts at emphatically repositioning the nation as one with the most powerful economy and social welfare for its citizens will become obvious,” he assured.
Shettima’s remarks come amidst increasing tension in the country, with many Nigerians frustrated by the economic situation and governance issues.
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests are expected to draw significant participation, raising concerns about potential unrest.
The Vice President reiterated the need for unity and focused development, especially in the troubled region of Borno.
“We have had enough challenges in Borno, in the subregion, and the nation as a whole. This is a time for unity, this is a time for focused development,” he said, urging citizens to rally behind Governor Babagana Zulum, who he praised for his efforts to address developmental deficits and support the less privileged.
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