Discos Warn Against Destruction of Property, Power Facilities During Protests

Amid the ongoing nationwide demonstrations, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (Discos) has issued a stern warning to protesters, urging them to refrain from destroying property, particularly those belonging to distribution companies. Discos emphasized that while the right to protest is fundamental, it becomes a criminal act when it involves the destruction of public property.

Since the protests began on August 1, numerous incidents of violence and property destruction have been recorded across the country. Notable states affected include Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Niger, and Jigawa.

One significant incident involved the Information and Communication Technology Centre in Kano, which was scheduled for commissioning next week. This facility was raided and set ablaze by protesters, marking a severe blow to local infrastructure.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Sunday Oduntan, the Executive Director of Research & Advocacy at Discos, expressed his concern about the escalating violence. “Those engaging in violent demonstrations are very unpatriotic. They don’t love Nigeria,” Oduntan stated. He urged protesters to avoid repeating the property destruction witnessed during the #EndSARS protests.

Isyaku Baba, the Director of Media for Arewa Youths for Tinubu, also condemned the actions of the violent protesters. “Destruction of property is totally against the purpose of the protest,” Baba said. He underscored the importance of protests as a vital part of democracy, allowing citizens to engage in the political process beyond just voting. “But destroying public property is wrong. The situation we had in some parts, like Kano, is no longer a protest but violence,” he added.

The call for peaceful protests has been echoed by various stakeholders across the country. Many believe that while the grievances of the protesters are legitimate, the method of expressing these grievances should not include violence or destruction of property.

In response to the protests, several state governors and ministers have convened meetings to address the situation and find ways to halt the unrest. There is a growing consensus that dialogue and constructive engagement with the protesting groups are essential to restoring peace and order.

As the protests continue, it is crucial for all parties involved to remember the importance of maintaining public order and protecting national assets. The focus should be on achieving the desired change through peaceful and lawful means, ensuring that the nation’s infrastructure remains intact for the benefit of all citizens.

In the meantime, the Discos and other affected entities are likely to increase security measures around their facilities to prevent further damage. The hope is that with continued dialogue and a commitment to peaceful protest, the current wave of unrest can be brought to an end without further harm to the nation’s property and infrastructure.