WHAAAT? CAN Drops Another Urgent Message To Nigerians, Tells Them To Do This About Tinubu’s Government [See Details]
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a plea to Nigerians, urging them to reconsider their planned hunger protest scheduled for August 1. Instead, the association advocates for patience and suggests giving President Bola Tinubu more time to address the nation’s pressing issues.
Acknowledging the widespread pain, anger, and frustration currently felt by many Nigerians, CAN emphasized the importance of exploring alternative ways to express discontent. The religious body communicated its stance through a statement released on Friday, signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
The statement recognizes the constitutional right to peaceful protest, affirming it as a vital component of democracy. However, CAN expressed concerns that the upcoming protest could be exploited by criminal elements, potentially leading to violence and chaos. “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 statement reads. “The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all.”
CAN highlighted the effectiveness of peaceful protests as a means of civic engagement, enabling citizens to convey their concerns and hold leaders accountable. Yet, the association warned of the growing anxiety surrounding the planned protests, citing volatile situations in countries like Kenya and Pakistan as cautionary examples. The statement further referenced Nigeria’s recent history with mass demonstrations, such as the #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests. Despite their genuine grievances, these movements were marred by incidents where miscreants hijacked the process, leading to looting, property destruction, and loss of lives. CAN stressed that these experiences underscore the risks of mass demonstrations devolving into chaos without proper management and coordination.
In light of the upcoming protests, CAN urged 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,” the statement advised. The association proposed dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings as viable options that could yield positive results without risking disorder. It also called on the government to reduce the cost of governance and accelerate efforts to alleviate the country’s hardships. Addressing the opulent lifestyle of political office holders, CAN emphasized the need for government officials to demonstrate sincerity in improving the living conditions of the populace.
Additionally, CAN urged the government to implement the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families. The association also highlighted the necessity of specific measures to combat kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings plaguing various parts of Nigeria. Ensuring the security and well-being of all Nigerians should be a top priority, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.
News Sources: Scooper
