The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to lower the pump price of fuel and address the escalating cost of food. This appeal comes in light of the planned nationwide hunger protests by Nigerian youths, scheduled from August 1 to 10.
Dr. Bulus Yohanna, the State CAN Chairman, made this appeal on Sunday during his message to the Catholic faithful. He also urged youths to cancel the planned protests, emphasizing that protests and violence have historically failed to yield positive results.
In his message titled “Let Us Shun Protest and Violence,” Dr. Yohanna stated, “Christian faithful should not join the proposed nationwide protest, as genuine protests can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens. Peace is an ongoing and dynamic process that demands perpetual attention and constant effort to attain and maintain.”
He urged President Tinubu to focus on price control for goods and services, address the rising cost of living, and reduce fuel prices. “Let us take advantage of the farming season, especially now that the Farmer Governor is proactive and has prioritized the agriculture sector with the hope of feeding the nation,” he added.
Yohanna, who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, called on bloc leaders, church leaders, local government coordinators, and parents to advise their members and children to adhere to Romans 13:1-3, which speaks against rebelling against constituted authority.
“As you are aware, there are plans to stage a nationwide protest across the country. But as children of God and responsible people known for peace, I urge us all to shun the protest and speak to our children, wards, and members of our congregation,” he stated.
He emphasized that CAN in Niger State would not participate in the protest, preferring peaceful dialogue and continued prayers for the nation. “Peaceful protests with clear demands are good, but such could be hijacked by miscreants and perceived as a security threat, leading to arrests and violence. We cannot afford to lose any of our children,” Yohanna stressed.
Highlighting the potential dangers, he noted, “There is no time that violence has led to positive results; rather, it has caused destruction, loss of lives, and setbacks. Genuine protests can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens.”
He further mentioned that major stakeholders in Niger State have decided not to join the protest, especially since the “Farmer Governor” Umaru Mohammed Bago has reduced grain prices and promised to alleviate the people’s sufferings.
