Insecurity: Methodist Church plans 2-million man march

RISING from its week-long Council of Bishops Conference, held at Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, bishops of the Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN) have declared plans to organise a two-million-man march to protest against the spate of killings in the country.

This was disclosed by the Secretary of Conference, Bishop Michael Akinwale, who read out the resolutions of the conference.

“The council applauds the ban on open grazing of cattle by herdsmen and establishing of ranches in states affected by the herdsmen onslaught by the National Executive Council (NEC). The council agrees totally with the decision of NEC and, if fully implemented, the policy has the capacity to end incessant herdsmen – farmers clashes.

“The council condemns the recent killings of two Catholic priests and several church members in Benue State by herdsmen and call on the Federal Government to protect Nigerians of all faiths,” he stated.

The council commend the Federal Government’s effort at rescuing 119 Dapchi school girls, but frowned at what they described as the religious colouration of the act, which singled out the only Christian girl, Leah Sharibu.

Prelate of the MCN, Most Reverend Dr Samuel Uche, while responding to questions from newsmen, who commended the directive of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for Christians to hold a peaceful protest last Sunday, which he said the church supported, however, noted that the church could not fully participate because of the Council of Bishops’ conference.

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He, however, hinted that the MCN hoped to organise a two-million-man march to protest the killings of Christians in Nigeria later.

According to him, “a government that cannot secure its citizen has no business being in power. I will not ask Nigerians to take up guns and defend themselves, but if the killings continue, I will advise that Nigerians look for ways to defend themselves.

“The present government’s style of trying to oppress opposition parties is undemocratic and  the present administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is gradually tilting toward militocracy and autocratic style of government.”

They commended government for the prompt response in the evacuation of 5,000 Nigerians trapped in Libya, and expressed support for the ongoing fight against corruption initiated by the present administration.

They also lauded the government’s efforts in rice production, just as they commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State for his developmental efforts in the state.