The Coalition for Transparency and Economic Reforms (COTER) has opposed the proposed nationwide protests against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by a group called PIDOM Nigeria.
COTER, consisting of 259 civil society organisations (CSOs), believed that the planned protests were a disguised form of violence similar to the #EndSARS protests in 2020.
COTER said it has identified certain disgruntled politicians, including a former governor and two former ministers from Northern States, as the masterminds behind the planned protests against the EFCC.
In response, COTER is calling upon the Federal Government and the country’s security agencies to take swift action to prevent the planned protests from happening. It noted that the protests will be a disaster waiting to happen and fear that they may result in violence and harm to innocent citizens.
Recall that PIDOM Nigeria, through its social media handle @PIDOMNigeria, had announced July 5, 2024, as the day for Nigerians to protest at all EFCC offices across the country, citing grievances related to the agency’s conduct and perceived shortcomings.
But, at a press conference, COTER’s Coordinator, Adeshina Animashaun, emphasised the urgent need for security agencies to intervene and prevent the protests before they escalate further. COTER also cautioned Nigerian youths against being deceived by PIDOM Nigeria and participating in the planned protests, as they may become casualties in any potential clashes with security agencies.
Furthermore, COTER urged parents and guardians to advise their children and wards against participating in the proposed anti-EFCC protests, emphasising the potential regrets that may arise from such involvement.
COTER emphasised that the group behind the protests does not represent the interests of the Nigerian people but rather serves the agenda of their paymasters. They also called on parents and guardians across the country to warn their children and younger ones about the dangers of participating in any gathering organised by PIDOM Nigeria at any EFCC office on July 5, 2024.
COTER believed that the masterminds behind these protests aim to create panic, fear, and anarchy in order to undermine the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. They consider these individuals unpatriotic and devoid of character.
COTER strongly advised Nigerian youths and citizens to disregard the plans for the protests against the EFCC and warns against falling victim to the manipulations of PIDOM Nigeria and the disgruntled politicians behind them.
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