The Coalition for Transparency and Economic Reforms (COTER), consisting of 259 Civil Society Organizations, has expressed its opposition to the upcoming nationwide protests organized by PIDOM Nigeria against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). COTER believes that these protests, similar to the EndSARS movement, may potentially incite violence and disrupt peace.
COTER has identified a group of disgruntled politicians, including a former governor and two former ministers from Northern states, as the instigators behind these planned protests against the EFCC. Prompted by this revelation, COTER is calling upon the Federal Government and the country’s security agencies to act swiftly and prevent these protests from taking place.
PIDOM Nigeria, through its social media handle @PIDOMNigeria, has announced July 5, 2024, as the designated day for Nigerians to gather and voice their grievances at all EFCC offices nationwide. These grievances are centered around the agency’s conduct and perceived shortcomings.
During a press conference, COTER’s Coordinator, Adeshina Animashaun, stressed the urgent need for security agencies to intervene and quell any potential escalation of these protests. COTER also advises Nigerian youths to exercise caution and refrain from participating in these demonstrations, as they may inadvertently become victims of clashes with security agencies.
Furthermore, COTER urges parents and guardians to counsel their children against joining the proposed anti-EFCC protests, highlighting the potential consequences that may arise from such involvement.
COTER emphasizes that the group behind these protests does not represent the interests of the Nigerian people, but rather serves the agenda of their undisclosed sponsors. Additionally, COTER calls upon parents and guardians nationwide to educate their children about the risks associated with participating in any gathering organized by PIDOM Nigeria at any EFCC office on July 5, 2024.
COTER firmly believes that the masterminds behind these protests aim to instill panic, fear, and chaos, with the ultimate goal of undermining the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. COTER denounces these individuals as unpatriotic and lacking in integrity.
In light of these concerns, COTER strongly advises Nigerian youths and citizens to disregard the plans for protests against the EFCC and warns against falling victim to the manipulations of PIDOM Nigeria and the disgruntled politicians behind them.
