*CAN PRESS STATEMENT*
_July 25, 2024_

*Planned Protests: CAN Stands in Solidarity with Nigerians*

1. The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stands in solidarity with the citizens of our great nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger. We recognize and deeply empathize with the pain, anger, and frustration that many of our fellow Nigerians are experiencing. The cries of the people underscore the severe difficulties faced daily as families struggle to afford basic necessities and sustain their livelihoods.

2. As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances. The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.

3. We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.

4. In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns. This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties. Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.

5. We call on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people. Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.

6. Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.

7. We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face. The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.

8. In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria.

9. We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times.

10. May God bless Nigeria and grant us the peace and prosperity we earnestly seek.

*Signed,*

Archbishop Daniel Okoh,
President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is at work.

They're responsible for 99% crimes committed by Nigerian abroad.

He should have joined Labour Party.

Okoroawusa:
Must every protest start and end in Lagos?

That's the problem. These people don't want to go to Anambra to protest.

Racoon:
Let the legal fireworks begin. Perhaps Bayo Onanuga is banking on their corrupt "go to court" rhetorics. History beackons! Fingers crossed!

Peter Obi unguided utterances after supreme Court judgement is enough evidence against him. Someone that's claiming of winning the election after supreme Court judgement. Many unguided utterances like take your country back.

OPICANTO2223:
Seriously. Onaniga knows Nigeria don't have judiciary at all. It's been controlled by government. So those obidients should never expect good judgement

He has evidence against Peter obi and his followers. Do you know that Peter Obi statement after supreme Court judgement is enough evidence against him.

Protest is a democratic right so it's permitted but let everybody do it in their home state. Lagos will not allow IPOB members in the state again in the name of Protest.

Quest7777:
This protest would for sure go ahead if Tinubu was from any other region aside North and SW.

Funny Country.

Nobody will stop protest in Anambra, Imo etc.

Standing5:

Always talking deranged. When you want to collect levy in oshodi park, you dont ask for region o.

You said Oshodi, you didn't say Aba.

Remain only IPOB members. Anyone protest will be treated as terrorist.

Q

CyrusVI:
It baffles me how neither the LP nor the NLC has called him out till date

Inflation is around 33% and this man still pays them like we are in 2007

To think this is their messiah in the East, sums up everything u need to know as to why Igbos migrate in droves to other regions

NLC has consistently call him out but labour party is wallowing in hypocrisy.

DoctorWHYna:
The shame is that your parents failed to train you

You are suffering from brain failure. Workers are suffering in Abia state.

helinues:
Has he said he won't be paying the new N70k minimum wage?

Someone that refused to pay 30k.

How can we explain that labour party is unfriendly to labour. Do you know that Nigeria Labour dues was used to register labour party?

Because IPOB hijacked ENDSARS protest where Nnamidi kanu was ordering igbo to destroy Lagos.

That's not our priority. Sanwo Olu answerable to Tinubu is our problem.

Lordjunta:
The poster stated CIVIL SERVANTS IN ABIA.
This is fat lie,let him mention the particular civil servants

states or local?
ministries and dept?
school?

Abia state cleared ariers of pension,go and verify.
civil servants are now paid on or before 28th of every month, go and verify

enof of the Reno Omokri unfounded attacks on anything associated with Igbo.

please make ur enquiries before dropping this trash here.

What is minimum wage in Abia state today please?

When I said Peter Obi is an Igbo agenda, some Obidients outside SE said it's about good government. I have been living with Igbos since 2005 and I know them very well.

There was celebration everywhere by Abia civil servants immediately INEC declared Alex Otti as governor elect. Their thoughts was that it will better their lots, less they know that it is from fry pan to fire. Today, they are crying under wicked government who refused to pay 30k minimum wages and even owing the little salary for months.

Chinkoalhaji34:
Just a step towards the right direction. You shall be welcome to the winning team

You mean wailing team.

madridguy:
The Taliban government must fish out the bastards and discipline them accordingly.

I can see some empty head using this news to throw jab at Islam, you are free to say whatever that suits you for likes and shares but ISLAM frown at rape and you can see how Muslim countries have been treating rapist..

But it allowed Muhamed to be having sex with Hebrew slaves.

princepeter566:
Mc oloumo do pass this one

He did it in Yoruba land. Eze is also free to mingle with IPOB in Anambra but not in lagos. I hope you understand.

I want to humbly call for a cease fire. The two gentlemen @DeleMomodu and @doyinokupe are both legendary media personalities who have served in the interest of the country I believe. Every coin has two sides and both are relevant in giving value to currency. Our democracy promotes debate. Debate is argument for and against; none is wrong depending on which side you belong or are looking at. Please my Egbon let there be a cease fire. You both are decorated generals in this industry

HIGHESTPOPORI:
Audio appointments,make una near Government house first

His security aids has been restored bro. Wake up from sleep.

DSS1335:
Make this guy rest ...only few months left for their term to end. Does he intend to run such office without allocation from the Governor? What if the governor decides to withhold all allocation for running such office, will heaven fall?

You are not a politician hence this your statement. It's no longer about money or privilege of office but to divert attention/concentration of the governor from coming election. Deputy governor enjoying the same immunity with governor and has constitutional security aids. He cannot be arrested.

Congratulations to them. Edo no be Lagos.

ochejoseph:
God willing NIgeria and Nigerians will have another opportunity to choose thier leaders in few years it's my prayer that tribalism, religion and spaghetti will not be a determinant of how we vote or who we choose to lead us.

May God Help Us To Help Ourselves In Jesus Name

That's if Igbo will not still give Peter Obi 98% votes and tell others that a vote for their candidates is a vote for tribalism and bigotry.

There will be no stay of execution. The appeal court will only accept accelerate hearing.

Realdeals:
CBN is not defending, but only intervening by selling at the prevailing market price. They are meant to be intervening in the market because they are the custodian of the FX earned by the government.

Thank you. Many people don't understand that CBN is a major trader in foreign exchange market.

Court might not grant stay of execution but rather prefer acceleration hearing because their tenure is already gradually winding down.