“Don’t Intimidate Nonprotesting Nigerians, Catholic Bishops Tell Protesters”

The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have issued a call for restraint among protesters in Nigeria, urging them not to intimidate or disturb fellow Nigerians who opt out of the ongoing hunger protests. The Bishops emphasized the inalienable right of every individual to choose whether or not to participate in demonstrations.

In a communique released after their meeting in Ibadan, the Bishops stressed the importance of allowing nonparticipants to conduct their lawful activities without hindrance. The statement, jointly signed by Most Rev Leke Gabriel Abegunrin, Chairman, and Most Rev John Akin Oyejola, Secretary, highlighted the responsibility of protest organizers to ensure the peaceful nature of their actions or consider calling off the protests if necessary.

“Protests should cause no consternation in any normal democratic setting because the right of protest is guaranteed in true democracies all over the world,” the communique read. “Protests are organized to draw the attention of governments and authorities to the opinions or demands of people or groups in society.”

The Bishops acknowledged the controversy surrounding the legitimacy and expediency of the impending protest in Nigeria. They pointed out that while protests do not directly solve problems, they serve as a last resort for citizens whose grievances have been ignored.

“Many believe that the protests are not a solution to Nigeria’s problems. They are right. Protests are not meant to provide solutions to problems. Protests are held as a last resort for citizens who have cried out for solutions to problems and have not been heeded,” the Bishops noted. “Protests are the last resort for amplifying the voice of those who feel oppressed. The protests in Nigeria should be made to serve that purpose and none other.”

The communique also reflected on the underlying issues fueling the protests, including hunger, insecurity, unfulfilled promises, high living costs, and ineffective governance. The Bishops argued that a more prompt and effective response from all levels of government could have prevented the current unrest.

“We strongly urge the Federal, State, and Local Governments to promptly attend to the distress call of the Nigerian people and turn a new leaf by responding promptly and effectively henceforth to the problems and distress of Nigerians,” they stated. “As we have said in the recent past, governance by palliatives, by intimidation, or by hide-and-seek methods cannot provide a permanent solution to the challenges faced by the country.”

Additionally, the Bishops called for restraint and civility from security organizations during the protests to avoid violence and accidental deaths, which have marred past demonstrations in Nigeria.