Government responsible for imminent nationwide protest -Catholic Bishops
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja and Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Catholic Bishops in Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province which comprises Ibadan Archdiocese, Ilorin, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti and Osogbo dioceses, have accused the Federal Government of being responsible for the nationwide strike being planned by some youths.
They said if governments at all levels had responded more promptly and effectively to the groans and distress calls of the Nigerians, the looming protest would not have gathered momentum as being witnessed.
In a communique jointly signed by Most Revd. ‘Leke Gabriel Abegunrin and Most Revd. John Akin Oyejola, chairman and secretary, respectively, at the end of the meeting in Ibadan, the Bishops highlighted that Nigerians have cried out about dire hunger in the land, persistent insecurity, failed promises, dashed hopes, outrageous cost of living and governance, and ineffectiveness of the rule of law in curbing criminality among public officials, not to talk of many public officers’ ineptitude with serious national issues.
They insisted that protest is the right of the people, hence the only thing the government can do is to offer adequate protection to the protesters.
“During the protest, relevant security organisations must show restraint and civility in discharging their duties and avoid violence and accidental deaths, which unfortunately seem to have characterized past exercises in Nigeria.
“Ideally, protests should cause no consternation in any normal democratic setting because the right of protest is guaranteed in true democracies all over the world. Protests are organised to draw the attention of governments and authorities to the opinions or demands of people or groups in society.
“In Nigeria, the impending protest has raised a furore of opinions regarding its legitimacy and expediency. Many believe that the protests are not the solution to Nigeria’s problems, which is correct. Protests are not meant to provide solutions to problems. Protests are held as a last resort for citizens who have cried out for solutions to problems and have not been heeded. Protests are the last resort for amplifying the voice of those who feel oppressed. The protests in Nigeria should be made to serve that purpose and not otherwise.”
The Bishops urged the protesters to exercise restraint and not disturb or intimidate those who may choose not to participate in the exercise, knowing that it is their inalienable right not to do so, insisting that such people should be allowed to go about their lawful business unhindered.
“Although it is the right of the citizenry to protest, the protesters should exercise restraint and not intimidate those who may choose not to take part. Allow those who might not join in the protest to go about their lawful businesses unhindered. Promote peace, and be law abiding while making your voices to be heard,” he said.
The bishops expressed concerns over the harsh economic condition in the country, describing it as highly unfriendly and worrisome.
“Nigerians have cried out over hunger, persistent insecurity, failed promises, dashed hopes and outrageous cost of living,” the communique read in parts
They said it was important for governments at all levels to take urgent steps towards providing solutions to the challenges and also urged the citizenry to support government’s efforts towards providing a better quality of life.
“If we work together, we shall overcome. We urge all Nigerians to show their true, indomitable, sterling, character in order to salvage this nation, we have no other country.
“We enjoin Nigerians to pray and fast sincerely for the country during this difficult season. We all know that through faith in God, we shall overcome,”the communique further read.
