We stand with Nigerians, but protesters should apply caution –CAN

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Friday reiterated its solidarity with Nigerians on the planned nationwide strike to register their discontent with the biting economic hardship and bad governance in Nigeria.

CAN, in a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Friday, however, encouraged the protesters to go about the action with caution to avoid being infiltrated by hoodlums and miscreants.

He said: “We recognize and deeply empathize 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 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. Nevertheless, we recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns. “The 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.”

CAN called on the government to expedite efforts to alleviate the economic hardships in Nigeria, stressing the urgency for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the nation’s economic challenges.