Protest: Primate Ndukuba warns military to avoid #EndSARS

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The Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on the Nigerian military and security forces to be cautious in handling the August 1st, 2024, protesters in order to avoid the repetition of the killings during the #EndSars protest.

Speaking at the Church of Nigeria Anglican Chancellors, Registrars, and Legal Officers Conference (ACRLOC), Archbishop Ndukuba acknowledged that citizens have the right to register their grievances through protest, but he called for restraint.

He also called on the spokespersons of the present administration to tone down their rhetoric to be more conciliatory.

Ndukuba called for dialogue between the government and the organisers of the protest in order to avert cases of breakdown of law and order and possible infiltration of the protest by miscreants.

“We accept that citizens have the right to demonstrate as enshrined in the Constitution. Given the socio-economic situation, insecurity, and apparent hunger and anger in our nation, we call for restraint and caution for all the organisers and those who want to participate in this demonstration.

“We plead for patience on the part of the people and request that the police, the military, and other enforcement agencies be cautious in handling this demonstration to make sure that we do not have a reoccurrence of the End-SARS massacre again. We commend the Federal Government for the steps taken so far to address the situation and the complaints of the people.

“But those who speak for the government should tone down their rhetoric to be more conciliatory. We both encourage the organiser and government to engage in dialogue and negotiations for the sake of peace, law, and order because there is a possibility that miscreants and politically disgruntled people can hijack a peace protest and turn it into a weapon to settle scores and destroy lives and property.

“Above all, we call Nigerians to prayer and solemn assembly to seek the face and intervention of God in our nation. We call for an end to corruption and the looting of the treasure of this nation.

On the state of the nation, the clergy, while commending the appointment of Olanipekun Olukoyede as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), said the country is facing increasing hardship, starvation, and economic difficulties.

He also called for intensification of the investigation into leaders who are seen as evil and sacred cows, while leadership should be seen as a sacred trust from God.

Ndukuba lamented that Nigeria’s insecurity is a growing concern, resembling the internal conflicts in Somalia and South Sudan. He said the country’s porous borders and selfish interests have led to exploitation and kidnapping.

“The efforts of the New Security Chiefs and security agencies are commendable, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must address these challenges. Socio-cultural organisations that have formed pressure groups to attack communities must be checked and their leadership held accountable.

“The establishment of a state or regional police force can help each geopolitical zone respond to insecurity, bringing stability, security, and economic growth. While the Inspector General of Police considers the advantages of having a state police, the disadvantages can be addressed to check excesses and put in place appropriate sanctions,” he noted.

On the economy, Primate Ndukuba said Economic Policy Planners and Think-Tank have made efforts to stabilise the exchange rate, but further action is needed to address factors like high debt levels, reckless borrowing, corruption, and eroded investor confidence.

He maintained that continuous borrowing also contributes to inflation, affecting the cost of living for ordinary citizens.

“Nigeria is facing challenges due to fuel scarcity and increased electricity tariffs, which are making life difficult for citizens. We are urging the government to intervene and be empathetic in the ongoing negotiation on the review of wages for Nigerian workers in such a way that it will truly alleviate the suffering of the masses.

“It is good that policies promoting entrepreneurship in the digital space are also being implemented to stimulate economic growth and employment. The 2024 budget and Nigeria’s debt profile are intertwined, and the government must balance borrowing for infrastructure with debt sustainability for long-term economic health.

“Food security is crucial for the country’s growth and stability, and we are encouraging citizens to engage in farming and food production. It is time for “Operation Feed Your Family” to help families meet basic food needs,” he added.

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