Federal Government Targets Diaspora Sponsors of #EndBadGovernance Protesters
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has announced that diaspora sponsors of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests have been placed on a watch list, with plans to arrest them upon entry into the country. This development comes as the government intensifies efforts to manage the widespread demonstrations against alleged governmental inefficiency and corruption.
Nigeria Immigration Service on High Alert
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, made this disclosure during a high-profile meeting of heads of security agencies and Service Chiefs. The meeting, convened by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, took place at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
In her statement, Nandap revealed that those identified as diaspora sponsors of the protests have been watch-listed. “We have diaspora sponsors. They are on our watch list. They are watch-listed, any attempt they make to come into the country, we’ll be notified and they will be picked up and handed to the appropriate authority,” she asserted.
To ensure tight security at the nation’s borders, Nandap mentioned that the NIS has deployed additional officers to both land and airport entry points. This move aims to enhance surveillance and prevent any foreign interventions that could exacerbate the current situation.
Increased Surveillance and Security Measures
The heightened security measures reflect the government’s concern over the protests’ impact on national stability. By tightening control over entry points, the NIS hopes to identify and intercept individuals suspected of funding or orchestrating unrest from abroad.
“We are committed to safeguarding the country from external influences that may seek to disrupt peace and order,” Nandap stated, emphasizing the significance of the stepped-up surveillance.
DSS Uncovers Sponsors and Freezes Accounts
In parallel, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, indicated that the agency had identified certain individuals believed to be funding the protests. However, he declined to provide further details, citing ongoing investigations.
Represented by the Service Spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, Bichi confirmed that some bank accounts associated with the protests’ funding have been frozen. “We have taken significant steps to trace and block the financial channels that support these activities,” Afunanya said.
He also mentioned that some of the individuals operating these accounts are based overseas and are being closely monitored by the agency. “We have eyes on them, and their activities are under constant watch,” he added.
Government Stance and Future Implications
The government’s focus on diaspora involvement underscores a broader strategy to mitigate external influence on domestic matters. By targeting financial networks and entry routes, the authorities aim to curb the momentum of the protests, which have continued to gain traction across the country.
This development raises questions about the balance between national security and the rights of citizens, both within Nigeria and abroad. As the situation unfolds, the government’s actions will likely be scrutinized for their effectiveness and adherence to democratic principles.
Public Response and Ongoing Demonstrations
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which have sparked significant public attention, continue to highlight issues such as corruption, economic hardship, and alleged governmental shortcomings. While the government’s measures aim to restore order, they have also prompted discussions about transparency and accountability.
Protesters have voiced their determination to persist in their demands for change, despite the government’s efforts to clamp down on the movement. Social media remains a powerful tool for mobilizing support and sharing information, keeping the protests in the public eye.
As the government continues to address these challenges, the interplay between security measures and civil liberties will remain a focal point of debate, shaping Nigeria’s path forward in navigating this complex socio-political landscape.
