The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Niger State, has urged Christians to avoid participating in the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10.
In a message signed by Bishop Bulus Yohanna, CAN’s state chairman, the association warned that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums and selfish groups, leading to violence and harm to innocent citizens.
The message, which was read in churches across the state on Sunday, advised Christians to shun the protest, emphasizing that violence has never achieved positive results.
Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, described peace as an ongoing and dynamic process that demands perpetual attention and constant effort to attain and maintain.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to, apart from the palliatives, work on price control for goods and services, address the rising cost of living and reduce the price of fuel.
“Let us take advantage of the farming season especially now that the Farmer Governor is proactive and has prioritised the agricultural sector,” he said.
The CAN chairman enjoined church leaders, Local Government Coordinators and parents to admonish their members and children to shun any planned protest in the interest of peace.
He charged them to remember the book of Romans 13:1-3 which talks about Christians not rebelling 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, speak to our children/wards and members of our congregation”, he said.
He said that other well-meaning Nigerians, including the youths, had declared that they would not join the nationwide protest.
“I want us to note that as a body, the CAN, Niger state will not be part of the exercise but rather prefer to have peaceful dialogue and continue to pray for our nation,” he said
