Media coverage motivating protesters, stop giving media coverage to protest- CDS

Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has called on the media to cease giving excessive coverage to recent protests by certain groups.

“I observed that all the media outlets were focused on the protests the other day,” Musa remarked to journalists in Abuja on Friday.

He stressed that this situation is not comparable to an election and urged the media to avoid such extensive coverage. Musa’s comments follow the nationwide protests, which began on Thursday, and are reportedly in response to economic difficulties in the country.

“We shouldn’t provide them with that level of exposure. Some individuals are merely seeking attention, while others use protests as an opportunity for looting, theft, and vandalism,” he stated.

The CDS confirmed that many of those causing disruptions during the protests have been apprehended and assured the public of continued support from both the police and military. He added that contact numbers will be provided for reporting suspicious activities.

Musa acknowledged the government’s commitment to allowing peaceful assembly but expressed disappointment that the protests had deteriorated. He praised the professionalism of the security forces, including the Nigerian Police Force and the armed forces, and emphasized their ongoing commitment to maintaining order.

He noted that while the initial protests were peaceful, they were soon overtaken by criminal elements. Musa encouraged Nigerians to recognize the government’s efforts to address the nation’s economic and security issues.