The Sultan of Sokoto and President of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’adu Abubakar III, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, have asked the #EndBadGovernance protesters to end their demonstrations.
Angry youths have occupied Lagos, Abuja and major cities across the country, demanding a reversal of some economic policies of the government.
The nationwide protest which entered its second day on Friday turned violent in some states with some lives lost and properties destroyed.
Worried by the situation, the religious leaders urged the protesters and the conveners of the protests to sheath their swords and come to the dialogue table.
“The protest that commenced in a peaceful manner 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,” they said in a jointly signed statement.
“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.
“In just one day lives and enormous amount of property have been destroyed. Imagine if this continues for a prolonged period of time, only God knows the extent of damage that would be incurred. The Council calls 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.”
