The Niger chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has asked Christians not to participate in the planned nationwide demonstration set for August 1-10.
This was stated in a message to Christians in the state issued by Bishop Bulus Yohanna, chairman of CAN in the state.
The message was read in churches throughout the state on Sunday, July 28.
Yohanna said: “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.”
Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, urged church leaders, local government coordinators, and parents to instruct their members and children to avoid any planned protests in the cause of peace.
He charged them with remembering Romans 13:1-3, which states that Christians should not rebel against constituted authority.
“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.
He stated that some well-meaning Nigerians, including youths, have decided not to participate in the statewide demonstration.
“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.
“Peaceful protest with clear demands is good but such could be hijacked by miscreants and be perceived by security as a threat which can lead to arrests/shootings.
“There is no time that violence has led to positive results, rather it has caused destructions, loss of lives and setbacks,” said Yohanna.
He stated that important stakeholders in Niger state have resolved not to join the protest.
However, the Bishop urged all levels of government to reject corruption, as well as ethnic and religious prejudice.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
