Ahead of the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, Catholic Bishops from the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province are urging protesters to remain peaceful and orderly.
In a recent meeting at the Domus Pacis Pastoral Institute in Akure, Ondo State, the bishops emphasized that security forces must protect the protesters and prevent any violence. The bishops issued a statement signed by Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin and Bishop John Oyejola, stressing that protests should be conducted respectfully within a democratic society.
The bishops highlighted that while protests are a fundamental right in democracies worldwide, they should be orderly and not disrupt others. They said, “Protests in Nigeria should be peaceful and focused on their intended purpose. Protesters must allow others to go about their daily lives without interference.”
The statement also called on protest organizers to ensure order or consider canceling the protest if they cannot guarantee it. Additionally, the bishops advised that protesters should not coerce or intimidate those who choose not to join in, as it is their right to abstain.
The clerics also appealed to all levels of government to address the grievances of Nigerians more promptly. They believe that if the government had been more responsive to the people’s concerns, the current protest might not have gained such widespread support.
