Some Nigerians have criticised President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for saying there is an “unrest” in the country.
Adesina said this in a statement he shared on Twitter on Saturday while reacting to the ongoing #EndSARS protests.
This came as the Federal Government vowed not to allow the nation to slip into anarchy on account of the protests and the Nigerian Army launched Operation Crocodile Smile VI.
The former agriculture minister in Nigeria called on the government and security agents to protect the youth as they are the nation’s future.
Adesina said, “I am distressed by the unrest in Nigeria. The youth are the life of our nation. They are the present, our tomorrow and our future. Securing their future must start with protecting their lives.
“Collectively, we must listen. We must hear. We must act … for peace, security, stability and the future of our nation.
“With humility, reflection, respect, sensitivity, good faith, and law and order, let truth and justice reign.
“Protect the youth. Engage the youth. Respect the youth. Protect the nation. Secure the future.”
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However, some online protesters took exception to the AfDB President’s assertion that the nation was experiencing “unrest”.
According to Oxford Dictionary, unrest is “a state of dissatisfaction, disturbance, and agitation, typically involving public demonstrations or disorder”.
The online protesters insisted that Nigeria is experiencing a “protest”.
See comments monitored on Twitter:
There's no unrest in Nigeria. Mr Adesina pls get your facts right. There's no threat whatsoever; except those from the same police we're protesting against.
— Bambam (@Prideoflife2018) October 17, 2020
What is happening in Nigeria is a Protest not an unrest.. Also the hashtag is #EndSARS you're either for us or against us.. Once again its #ENDSARS
— Tosin (@Donteewrites) October 17, 2020
Oga, stop hedging. No one asked your view. If you must engage, come with equity.
These same youth stood for you when the subterfuge of 'alien partners' came for your name.
You either come true, or don't even show up.
We respect your accomplishments. Don't stain your white now!
— The New Masquerade! (@ViktorKubowski) October 17, 2020
It's not unrest but a protest. We're saying #EndSARS.
We're saying we want our country back!
We're saying we won't live in fear again!
We're saying we deserve better!
— Lawal Luqman A #EndPoliceBrutality (@LawluqA1) October 17, 2020
Na wa o. Una just dey fall hand upanddown
It is #EndSARS, what's so hard in using the hashtag?
— Blessed Beyond Measure (BBM) (@Drmuzoic) October 17, 2020
What organised labour couldn't do, unorganised youths are doing it. A protest where we don't steal, kill or rape. A protest where we watch each other's back.
Dear Govt, you're still talking when you're supposed to be working. You think we are joking, right? Just wait for it!
— SylO (@SLYOBETT40) October 17, 2020