Everyone in one of the most populous countries in Africa, Nigeria has become apprehensive as dangers zooms in the ongoing protest against bad government in the country. True to their calling, Christian Leaders in Nigeria have vehemently Caution against Planned Kenyan-style Gen Z-led Anti-Government Protests.
The Correspondent of RECOWACERAO NEWS AGENCY, RECONA based in Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria has reported that the Representatives of Christian leaders in Nigeria are appealing to citizens of the West African nation to abandon planned anti-government protests in the country and to explore other methods to have their grievances addressed.
According to the religious leaders under the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Kenya-style youth-led protests that Nigerians plan to start on August 1 may destroy the West African country, which is still reeling from the destruction that accompanied the #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests
As in Kenya, organizers of the planned Nigerian protests have reportedly been faceless, calling for the demonstrations using online platforms like Instagram and X. In Nigeria, the main complaint concerns the soaring cost of living, which many Nigerians blame on government economic policies.
In a statement on Friday, July 26, the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh says that the association is in solidarity with Nigerians, who he said are suffering owing to the country’s economic hardships. He however cautioned against protests, calling on the people to learn from the violence that has accompanied demonstrations in Kenya and in Pakistan.
“Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan,” the President of the entity that includes representatives of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) explains.
He adds, “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.”
Archbishop Okoh says Nigeria’s experiences of the #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests have shown the country that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.
He urges Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances, saying, “We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns.”
He condemns Nigerians against individuals he says could be planning to hijack the protests and cause disorderliness.
“This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily allow hoodlums to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties,” the Archbishop in Christ Holy Church International, an African Independent Church, says.
He adds that dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results “without the risk of disorder.”
Meanwhile, CAN has called on the Nigerian government to reduce the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the country.
According to Christian leaders, the “opulence” of Nigerian political leaders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government and improve the living conditions of the people in Africa’s most populous nation.
Likewise, they say, the government must implement strategies to provide immediate relief to struggling families.
Specific measures must also be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that CAN says have plagued various parts of the country.
“The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order,” CAN says.
The Christian leaders also call on the Nigerian government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the country, saying, “There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face.”
“The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people,” CAN members say.
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