- By Halimah Olamide
“the opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Friday said protest remains one of the most potent ways to demonstrate frustrations and anger against an anti-people government policy.
The association expressed its solidarity with Nigerians over the proposed nationwide protest saying it is one of the ingredients of democracy.
CAN however cautioned against allowing such protests to be hijacked by hoodlums citing the protests against police brutality that rocked Nigeria in October 2020.
CAN’s statement came on Friday amidst growing tension over massive protests being planned by some angry Nigerians over the state of the economy.
In the statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, CAN, the body said situation also called for those in government to reduce their flamboyance to show Nigerians they are concerned about the state of the economy.
“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,” CAN said
It said it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances.
The association further stated that the right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all.
CAN said. “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.”
In cautioning the organisers, CAN warned of a descent into anarchy adding that the 2020 mayhem that led to loss of lives should be averted.
“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 advised on seeking what it called “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,” the statement added
Calling on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land, the association noted that “the opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people.”
It also urged the government to implement the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.
The statement further, ”Specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.
“We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. 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.
.”In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria.”
CAN’s statement came a day after President Bola Tinubu met some Muslim leaders at the State House in Abuja.
The President also met governors of the All Progressive Congress and some traditional rulers.