…suggests peaceful public advocacy
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, Rev John Hayab, has suggested peaceful public advocacy to register the grievances of Nigerians on the biting economic suffering in the country instead of the growing desire for protests across the country.
The suggestions was, perhaps, against the backdrop of proposed two days nationwide protest being organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to register the concerns of workers on the growing economic hardship in Nigeria.
Rev. Hayab who is also the Country Director,
Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, told journalists in a statement, on Sunday, that choice of protest is wrong, noting that violence has never done any good in the history of man on the planet earth.
He appealed to Nigerians against allowing anyone, group, or organization to instigate them to embark on street protests due to the high cost of living, predicting that some bad elements may hijack the protest to destroy the gains the nation must have made over the years, thus compounding the current suffering and impacting the future.
He noted that, “while it is correct most Nigerians, if not all, in one way or the other, feel the impact of the present economic challenges heightened by insecurity and misery, Nigerians must, at the same time, be guarded in the way the predicament is handled so that we do not cause grave setbacks for ourselves as a result.
“Therefore, it’s time for religious leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders, aged and young Nigerians, with the political class to be united in finding solutions through constructive advice on the way forward for our country, and not allow ourselves to destroy the gains of democracy built over the years.
“Any form of protest which destroys government buildings, establishments or any infrastructures, certainly, will do us no good. As a result, Nigerians need to join hands to rethink the best way out of the present dilemma. The reason is that due to the hunger and anger in the land, genuine protest can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens.
“Let’s be reminded that poverty knows no ethnic group, faith, regional or political leanings, and that is why suffering affects all. As such, Nigerians need to come together to find solutions to the situation. Besides, the blame for the present economic challenges cannot simply be heaped on the present administration.
“Consequently, the current economic depression calls us to reflect deeply and honestly acknowledge where we got it wrong for us to create a better tomorrow for generations yet unborn to gain from our collective response.
“Biblically, it was during a trying time that King Pharaoh of Egypt got to know about Joseph, who was brought out of prison to offer a desirable solution to the impending drought that was to befall Egypt.
“Just like the Egypt of old, Nigeria is blessed with many people like Joseph with wisdom and good knowledge on how to tackle our current situation. Our leaders at the federal, state and local levels, should be humble enough to put aside politics and invite every good hand that can add value to our struggle to overcome the present economic downturn.”
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