‘Give government more time’ — CAN asks Nigerians to shelve protest

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has asked Nigerians to consider alternative means of dialogue with the government instead of embarking on the planned nationwide protest.

In a statement on Friday, Daniel Okoh, CAN president, said the protest, if not properly managed, may degenerate into chaos.

“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,” Okoh said.

“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.

“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 the 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 president of CAN also requested that the government reduce the expense of governance and move quickly to ease the suffering of the people.

“Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families,” Okoh said.

“We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land.

“There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face.

“The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving.

“By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.”