From Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Despite declaring support for Nigerians on all the reasons given for the proposed planned nationwide protest slated to commence 1st August, 2024, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has however appealed against the protest.
CAN in a statement signed by its National President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured that they were in total solidarity with Nigerians given the deepening security challenges, lingering hunger, and economic hardship.
The statement reads: “The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stands in solidarity with the citizens of our great nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger. We recognize and deeply empathize with the pain, anger, and frustration that many of our fellow Nigerians are experiencing.
“The cries of the people underscore the severe difficulties faced daily as families struggle to afford basic necessities and sustain their livelihoods.”
While reminding the government at all levels to respect the constitutional rights of Nigerians to a peaceful protest as a means of expressing frustrations with government policies and governance, CAN said, “the right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all.
“Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable.”
The umbrella body representing Christians in Nigeria, however, appealed for a introspection and a possible halt in the proposed nationwide protest in view of the heightening anxiety, the volatility and possiblity of being infiltrated and hijacked for the wrong purpose, especially by those perceived to be looking for avenue to rubbish the government of the day .
“We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives.
“These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated,” CAN stated.
In their submission, CAN therefore advised that alternative means rather than protest should be deployed in registering perceived grievances with the government.
“In the light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns.
“This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties.
“‘Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.”
CAN further advised that, government should cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land, reduce the opulent lifestyle of political office holders, take measures to end kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country, deepen consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving.
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