Christian Leaders Warn Against Protest: Fear Of Regret And Violence Loom

Christian Leaders Warn Against Protest: Fear Of Regret And Violence Loom

Christian Bodies Say Action Could End in Regret

Amid growing opposition to the nationwide protest planned for Thursday, August 1 by youths dissatisfied with the state of the economy, two notable activists insisted over the weekend that the protest will go ahead as planned.

The activists, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) and Mr. Deji Adeyanju, emphasized their commitment to the protest, representing their respective groups, the Take It Back Movement and Concerned Nigerians.

While these groups are preparing for the protest, several regional bodies—Afenifere (South-West), Yoruba Council of Elders (South-West), Ohanaeze Ndigbo (South-East), and Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)—are divided on the issue.

Religious groups in Nigeria have also voiced concerns, warning that the protest might lead to regret for its organizers.

The protest, tagged #EndBadGovernance, has generated tension, with the Federal Government and security agencies mobilizing against it due to fears it could destabilize Nigeria, reminiscent of the #EndSARS protest of 2020.

Despite the lack of a clear leader, the protest is promoted mainly by Gen Z youths on social media and is described as ‘Days of Rage’. It is planned to last for 10 days.

Adegboruwa Writes IGP, DSS

As part of preparations, Adegboruwa notified security agencies on Friday, requesting protection for planned “public meetings, rallies, and processions” by the Take It Back Movement and its supporters. In a letter dated July 26, 2024, Adegboruwa informed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS) that the rallies would take place from August 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter. The rallies are scheduled for Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of all 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.

Adegboruwa reiterated the role of security agencies during such events, urging their leadership to provide details of officers or teams assigned to cover the meetings to harmonize plans and strategies.

‘Protest Necessary’

Adeyanju described the protest as necessary in an interview with Sunday Vanguard.

Afenifere, Ohanaeze, PANDEF, Others Speak

In separate interviews, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, PANDEF, and YCE acknowledged the citizens’ hardship but emphasized caution.

Ohanaeze warned Igbo youths against participating, fearing it may invite grievances from other ethnic groups.

PANDEF and YCE urged the populace to seek constructive dialogue with the government, believing President Bola Tinubu will listen.

Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stated: “The current hardship in Nigeria is the result of Igbophobia, an outcome of orchestrated injustice and ethnic bigotry against the Igbo.”

Forced into Office

YCE’s Secretary-General, Chief Oladipo Oyewole, acknowledged the right to protest but urged patience with President Tinubu, arguing he has the citizens’ interests at heart.

Disenchantment

Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, stated that while the planned demonstration is justified, alternatives like engagement should be considered.

Ajayi warned of the potential for protest to result in violence, citing the 2020 EndSARS protests’ lingering effects.

Restraint

PANDEF’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ken Robinson, appealed to the government to heed the demands of the protest organizers while advising youths to exercise restraint.

Referendum

INC, led by Chilos Godsent, expressed support for the protest, emphasizing the severe economic hardship under Tinubu’s administration and calling for reductions in petroleum prices, foreign exchange rates, and food prices.

Divergent Views from Youth Leaders

COSEYL and OYC declared that Igbo would not partake in the protest, with COSEYL’s President General, Goodluck Ibem, attributing food shortages to youth aversion to agriculture.

ASPAMDA’s Stance

ASPAMDA members distanced themselves from the protest, fearing chaos and loss of lives and properties.

Christian Bodies’ Warnings

CAN, PFN, and GPFN warned against the planned protest, citing potential violence and exacerbation of suffering. They urged patience and dialogue while calling on the government to address the demands of the youth and sympathizers.

PFN’s Deputy President, Archbishop Johnpraise Daniel, emphasized that protests would only worsen the current hardships, while GPFN’s Country Director, Rev. John Hayab, warned of potential hijacking by criminal elements.

Apostle Abimbola Ayuba, CAN’s Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, urged the government to cut the cost of governance and address hunger, poverty, and the reckless conduct of some political office holders to mitigate the situation.