Catholic priest urges youth to reconsider protest, calls for govt’s accountability
A prominent Catholic priest, Rev. Father Andrew Abhulime, has called on the Nigerian youths to reconsider their plans for a second phase of the #EndBadGovernance protests scheduled for October 1, 2024.
Speaking through his representative, Rev. Fr. Amos Irabor, during a church event, the priest acknowledged the youths’ grievances but cautioned against the potential risks associated with another round of protests.
Father Abhulime expressed concern about the possibility of a repeat of the violent crackdown that marred the previous EndSARS protests. He urged the youths to explore alternative avenues to address their demands, emphasising the importance of weighing the risks and benefits carefully.
The priest also called on the government to be more responsive to the needs of Nigerians, stressing the importance of addressing their concerns before the situation escalates further. “We can’t castigate the government, but they must govern well,” he stated.
The event, themed, ‘Harvest of Divine Favour,’ provided an opportunity for the priest and church leaders to address the spiritual and social responsibilities of both the government and the governed. They emphasised the need for both parties to act with righteousness and integrity.
The church also highlighted its commitment to supporting its congregants and the wider community through charitable initiatives, such as St. Vincent De Paul.