The Niger chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised Christians in the state to refrain from participating in the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10. This call was made through a message signed by Bishop Bulus Yohanna, the chairman of CAN in the state, and read in churches across the state on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CAN expressed concerns that the protest might be hijacked by hoodlums and selfish groups, leading to chaos and harm to innocent citizens.
“Genuine protest can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens,” said Yohanna. “Let us shun protest, violence has never yielded positive results.”
Yohanna, who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, emphasized that peace is an ongoing and dynamic process requiring continuous effort and vigilance. He urged President Bola Tinubu to implement price controls on goods and services, address the rising cost of living, and reduce fuel prices, in addition to providing palliatives.
“Let us take advantage of the farming season, especially now that the Farmer Governor is proactive and has prioritized the agricultural sector,” he added.
The CAN chairman called on church leaders, local government coordinators, and parents to advise their members and children against participating in the protest, citing Romans 13:1-3, which speaks against rebellion against constituted authorities.
“As you are aware, there are plans to stage a nationwide protest across the country. As children of God and responsible people known for peace, I urge us all to shun the protest, speak to our children/wards and members of our congregation,” he stated.
Yohanna noted that other well-meaning Nigerians, including youths, had also declared their intention not to join the protest. He reiterated that CAN in Niger State would not participate in the protest but would instead pursue peaceful dialogue and continue to pray for the nation.
He warned that the protest could be exploited by miscreants and perceived as a threat by security forces, potentially leading to arrests and violence. “There is no time that violence had led to positive results; rather, it has caused destructions, loss of lives, and setbacks,” he said.
The bishop emphasized the need for the government to shun corruption, ethnic, and religious bigotry, and to ensure greater accountability, fairness in empowerment, job opportunities, and equitable distribution of resources.
“Let there be greater accountability, fairness in empowerment, job opportunities, employment, and equitable sharing of the commonwealth and justice,” he concluded.
