CAN to Nigerians: Consider alternative means, protest may be hijacked

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to seek other ways of expressing their grievances, saying the protest scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024, might be hijacked by hoodlums.

CAN gave the advice via a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Friday, July 26.

Okoh, who noted that CAN stands in solidarity with Nigerians over the current economic hardship and pervasive hunger in the country, however reminded Nigerians of the ugly incidents that generated during the #EndSARS protest which led to the loss of lives and properties after it was hijacked by hoodlums in 2020.

Okoh also enjoined Nigerians to be patient with the government, adding that legal avenues should be explored in addressing the citizens’ grievances.

He said: “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 recognise and deeply empathise 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.

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“As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances. 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. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.

“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.

“In 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.”

The CAN President further called on the government to address the “worsening” state of the economy by urgently undertaking certain measures such as cutting down the cost of governance across board, implementing the new minimum wage, seeking an end to the worsening state of kidnappings, banditry, and other forms of insecurity in the country.

The Star