The Niger chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Christians not to participate in the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to 10.
This directive was issued in a message to Christians in the state, signed by Bishop Bulus Yohanna, chairman of CAN in Niger State. The message was read in churches across the state on Sunday, July 28.
Yohanna stated, “Genuine protests can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens. Let us shun protest; violence has never yielded positive results.”
Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, called on church leaders, local government coordinators, and parents to advise their members and children to avoid any planned protest in the interest of peace. He referenced Romans 13:1-3, which advises Christians not to rebel 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, and speak to our children, wards, and members of our congregation,” he said.
He mentioned that other well-meaning Nigerians, including the youth, had also declared they would not join the nationwide protest.
“I want us to note that as a body, CAN, Niger State, will not be part of the exercise but would rather prefer to have peaceful dialogue and continue to pray for our nation,” he said. “Peaceful protest with clear demands is good, but it could be hijacked by miscreants and perceived by security forces as a threat, which can lead to arrests or shootings. There is no time that violence has led to positive results; rather, it has caused destruction, loss of lives, and setbacks,” said Yohanna.
He concluded by urging governments at all levels to shun corruption and ethnic and religious bigotry.
