The Federal Government should identify those behind calls for a military takeover, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation.
Afenifere and leaders of ethnic nationalities under the Movement for National Reformation (MNR), said this yesterday.
Also, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) condemned the looting and destruction that trailed the 10-day protests which began on August 1.
It said the protesters went far beyond permissible limits and questioned their motives.
The effects of the protest were especially felt in Kano, where Governor Abba Yusuf said hoodlums destroyed the high court and carted away documents on the corruption charge against ex-governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the waving of the Russian flag by some protesters was not only inexplicable “but unequivocally condemnable”.
The group noted widespread discontent, frustration, and anger among the Nigerians over “dire living conditions, lack of education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, coupled with the ongoing insecurity in the country, require urgent attention.”
While criticising the inadequate response of federal and state governments to the well-publicised protests, the forum stated: “The constitutional rights of citizens to express grievances through demonstrations and protests must be respected.
“However, there is a need for robust and dynamic engagement between citizens and government representatives on the direction of public policies.
“We urge calm and resilience among citizens as they struggle to move on from the devastating effects of the protests,” ACF said.
