The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chapter in Niger State has urged Christians to refrain from participating in the upcoming nationwide protest.
Naija News reports that there has been a series of controversies and mixed reactions over the planned demonstration scheduled for August 1-10 to decry the country’s worsening economic situation.
CAN in a directive signed and issued on Sunday by its chairman in the state, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, expressed concerns that the protest could be exploited by criminals and self-serving organizations to sow chaos in the country and harm innocent citizens.
“Genuine protest can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens. 
“Let us shun protest; violence has never yielded positive results,” the CAN chairman said in the statement made available to newsmen on Sunday.
Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, emphasized that peace is a continuous and evolving process that requires constant attention and effort to achieve and sustain.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to focus not only on providing relief measures, but also on implementing price regulations for goods and services, tackling the increasing cost of living, and lowering fuel prices.
“Let us take advantage of the farming season especially now that the Farmer Governor is proactive and has prioritised the agricultural sector,” he said.
The CAN chairman urged church leaders, Local Government Coordinators, and parents to advise their members and children to avoid participating in any planned protests for the sake of peace.
He also reminded them of the teachings in the book of Romans 13:1-3, emphasizing the importance of Christians not rebelling against established authorities.
“As you are aware, there are plans to stage a nationwide protest across the country.
“As Children of God and responsible people known for peace, I urge us all to shun the protest, speak to our children/wards and members of our congregation”, he said.
Yohanned noted that other well-meaning Nigerians, including the youths, had declared that they would not join the nationwide protest.
“I want us to note that as a body, the CAN, Niger state will not be part of the exercise but rather prefer to have peaceful dialogue and continue to pray for our nation,” he said.
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