July 07, (THEWILL) – As security agencies warn against the planned protests around the country, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has activated its civil intelligence network, ordering its 812 offices around the country to identify incident spots and individuals nationwide involved in the planned protest.
This directive comes as the EFCC reported that certain individuals, especially those being investigated by the Commission, are mobilising youths, including school children, to stage a nationwide protest against the government. Deputy Director, Press, Paul Odenyi, said the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, also urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to advise their wards against getting involved in the planned protest, saying the promoters of the uprising seek to destabilise the country and cut short investigation into their nefarious activities.
He said that while directing the 4000 staff of the agency to work hard to provide support to security agencies to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country, it says the government will continue to provide channels for citizens’ feedback on any government policies, programmes and activities.
“A group has been recruiting young Nigerians, including students, through social media to protest against the EFCC’s operational activities, particularly in enforcing cybercrime laws,” Issa-Onilu said. The NOA DG noted that while the government respects citizens’ right to protest, evidence suggests that corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution are behind this plot, seeking to exploit the protest and threaten national peace and security.
NOA, therefore, urges Nigerians to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest EFCC office or law enforcement agency or reach the NOA through the “Say Something” platform on the agency’s app.
