An anti-graft outfit, the Coalition for Transparency and Economic Reforms (COTER) says corrupt politicians are behind the planned nationwide protests against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The group’s national Coordinator, Adeshina Animashaun, at the press conference in Abuja on Thursday described the planned protests as another #EndSARS violence in disguise and a disaster waiting to happen.

The Coalition, comprising 259 Civil Society Organizations, particularly identified a former governor of one of the Northern states, two former ministers, and others as the brains behind the planned nationwide protests against the EFCC.

COTER called on the Federal Government and the various security agencies in the country to act swiftly to prevent the planned nationwide protests at EFCC offices by PIDOM NIGERIA, which it.

Recall that PIDOM NIGERIA through its X handle @PIDOMNigeria had recently announced Friday, July 5, 2024, as the day for Nigerians to protest at all EFCC offices across the country alleged unprofessional behaviour and perceived failings and excesses of the operatives of the anti-graft agency.

The group, therefore, called on security agencies to immediately nip these burgeoning protests in the bud before they become a conflagration and consume innocent citizens.

The Coalition also warned Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be deceived by PIDOM NIGERIA to partake in the planned protest to avoid a situation where they could be made “cannon fodders” or become “collateral damage” in the event of any faceoff with security agencies during the illegal action by the “faceless group.”

COTER also enjoined parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against taking part in the proposed anti-EFCC protests scheduled for Friday to avoid regrets later.

COTER added, “We urge our youths in the entire country to disregard the disguised devilish plans of the masterminds of the forthcoming protests against the EFCC. They are unpatriotic people without character. They do not speak for anyone but themselves and their paymasters and should, therefore, be disregarded.

“We also call on parents and guardians all over the country to warn their children/wards against taking part in the July 5 mayhem being planned by disgruntled politicians using Pidom Nigeria. They should warn their younger ones to avoid any gathering organised by the group in any EFCC office on Friday, July 5, 2024, in any part of the country to avoid regrets later. We should not allow our children to be used as thugs by people who have kept their own children in safe havens outside this country.

“They are behind the promoters of this looming nationwide violence scheduled for Friday, July 5, 2024. The major aim of this planned massive violence is to create panic, fear, and anarchy and ultimately scuttle the achievements of the current administration of President Bola Tinubu,” it said.