Niger: Boycott planned protest, CAN urges Christians

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter has called on its members and the body of Christ in the state not to join the forthcoming  proposed nationwide protest saying “genuine protest can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens”.

CAN Chairman in the State, Most Rev Dr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna stated this in his message titled: “Let us shun protest, violence has never yielded positive results that were announced in churches”,  and made available to Journalists on Sunday in Minna, described peace as an ongoing and dynamic process that demands perpetual attention and constant effort to attain and maintain.

Dr Yohanna who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apart from the palliatives,  work on price control for goods and services, address rising cost of living and then reduce the pump price of fuel.

“Let us take advantage of the farming season especially now that the State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago is proactive and has prioritized the Agriculture sector with the hope of feeding the nation”,  the Cleric declared

He however called on Bloc leaders, Church leaders, local government coordinators, and parents to admonish their members and children, charged them to remember the book of Romans chapter  13:1-3 in the holy scriptures which talks about Christians not rebel against constituted authority.

According to him “As you are aware, there are plans to stage a nationwide protest across the country, but 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.

Other well-meaning Nigerians including our youths have declared that they won’t join the nationwide protest and I want us to note that as a Body, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger state chapter, will not be part of the exercise but rather prefer to have peaceful dialogue and continue to pray for our nation.”

He cited the following as reasons for  Christians to shun the protest: “Peaceful protest with clear demands is good but such could be hijacked by miscreants and be perceived by security threat which can lead to arrests/shootings. And we cannot afford to lose any of our children.

He pointed out that, there is no time that violence has led to positive results, rather it has caused destructions, loss of lives, and setbacks; Genuine protest can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens.”

He stated further that, “major stakeholders in Niger state have agreed not to join the protest especially as the farmer Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago has slashed the prices of grains and has promised to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.”

Bishop Yohanna thereby urged governments at all levels to do all they can to shun ethnic and religious division, saying “Let there be greater accountability, fairness in empowerment, job opportunities, employment into various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Military and paramilitaries, sharing the commonwealth and then allow justice to prevail at all times.

It is said that an idle brain is the department of the devil. If you have nothing to do the devil will employ you for his work.”