CAN, Sultan Appeal For End To Hardship Protests

The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has called on organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests to call off the protest and give the government a chance to redeem itself.

The call was made in a statement jointly signed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar; President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Dr Daniel Okoh as co-chairmen alongside the Executive Secretary of NIREC, Rev. Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhus.

The Council, with a heavy heart said it observed the happenings in the country presently, noting without doubt, that there is hunger and hardship in the country.

NIREC however posited that civil unrest should not be adopted as the solution, saying it would only further aggravate the already frail state of the nation.

“The protest that commenced peacefully on Thursday, August 1, 2024, despite pleas from all quarters, took a turn for the worse and became violent later in the day. In just a few hours, lives and property were lost due to this unfortunate scenario.

“It is without doubt that there is hunger and hardship in the country but civil unrest is not the solution as it would only further aggravate the already frail state of the nation.

“NIREC hereby calls on fellow citizens of Nigeria to please call off this protest and give the government a chance to redeem itself,” the Council said.

NIREC also expressed sadness that in just one day of the protest, lives and enormous amount of property were destroyed, saying that if the protest lingers, “only God knows the extent of damage that would be incurred.”

The Council further called on the security agencies to be more professional in the discharge of their duties.

“NIREC urges the government to expedite action towards meeting the yearning and needs of the citizens. We need a peaceful and tranquil nation we can be proud to call our own. May God bless us all,” the Council stated.