IMPI condemns alleged insurrection plot under guise of peaceful protest

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has criticized certain individuals and groups for allegedly preparing for insurrection under the guise of a peaceful protest.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju, the policy analyst group emphasized that while protests are acceptable in a democracy, no government will tolerate calls for anarchy, riots, public disturbances, violence, or destruction of property.

The group highlighted that a peaceful protest should be organized, orderly, and non-violent, with protesters expected to remain controlled and law-abiding.

IMPI stated, “For several weeks, we have quietly watched as some individuals and groups mobilized for what they call ’10 days of rage’ starting on August 1. Their mode of preparation, gauged from their actions and speeches, shows that they may be bracing up for riots, chaos, and violence, which are antithetical to peaceful protest.”

They further explained that peaceful protests aimed at addressing the cost of living crisis should focus on actions to mitigate difficult conditions, recognizing that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has implemented policies to alleviate the global cost of living crisis.

“Interestingly, within the time some were mobilizing for the protest, the administration of President Bola Tinubu had continued to roll out policies and programs targeted at stemming the effects of the global cost of living crisis as it affects the country,” the statement read.

IMPI criticized those promoting the protest for ignoring the government’s efforts and using social media to incite rebellion for political purposes.

They questioned the motives behind the protest, noting that demands such as a new constitution, the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, and scrapping the Senate, among others, are not related to reducing the cost of living.

“A close look at the demand list shows that what they called a protest against the cost of living crisis is indeed a call to anarchy in the short term and regime change in the long term,” IMPI stated.

IMPI called on Nigerians to view the protest as a call to anarchy and urged them to recognize the government’s initiatives to provide relief, including reducing the number of taxes, introducing cost-effective alternatives to petrol, and implementing measures to boost local food production and support the youth.

“While we acknowledge that economic reforms have brought some hardship in their wake, it is not true that the administration has not been responsive to the issues,” IMPI added, listing several initiatives aimed at alleviating the impact of the cost of living crisis.

The group concluded by urging Nigerians to reject the protest, describing it as an opportunistic attempt by conflict entrepreneurs and power mongers to wage insurrection against the government.