The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger state has called on Christians not to join the planned nationwide protest saying “genuine protest can easily be hijacked by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens.”
In his message titled: Let us shun protest, violence has never yielded positive results, CAN Chairman in the State, Most Reverend Bulus Yohanna described peace as an ongoing and dynamic process that demands perpetual attention and constant effort to attain and maintain.
Yohanna also called on President Bola Tinubu to, in addition to palliatives, work on price control for goods and services, address the rising cost of living and then reduce the price of fuel.
While calling on church leaders, local government coordinators and parents to admonish their members and children, the priest referred them to the book of Romans 13:1-3 which talks about Christians not rebelling against constituted authority.
According to him, other well-meaning Nigerians including youths have declared that they won’t join the nationwide protest, noting that as a Body, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger state will not be part of the exercise but rather prefer to have a peaceful dialogue and continue to pray for our nation.
He added that peaceful protest with clear demands is good but such could be hijacked by miscreants and be perceived as a security threat which can lead to arrests/shootings.
The clergyman further said there is no time that violence has led to positive results, rather it has caused destruction, loss of lives and setbacks.
Bishop Yohanna however urged governments at all levels to do all they can to shun ethnic and religious division, saying “Let there be greater accountability, fairness in empowerment, job opportunities, employment into various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), military and paramilitaries, sharing the commonwealth and then allow justice to prevail at all times.
EDITOR: TIENABESO BIBIYE
