Inter-religious council urges end to #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests

The Nigerian Inter-Religious Council has urged organisers of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest to halt the nationwide demonstration, lamenting that lives and properties are being lost during the action.

It noted that civil unrest will worsen the already fragile state of the nation rather than resolve its economic woes.

The council said this in a statement signed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and the NIREC Executive Secretary, Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, titled “Call For Calm” on Friday in Abuja.

On Thursday, no fewer than 17 persons were feared killed in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa during the #EndBadGovernance protest which was held across the country.

Nigerians are experiencing economic difficulties, making it challenging for many to afford necessities.

One person was shot dead in Abuja and Kano, two were killed in Jigawa, six others were reportedly gunned down by security forces in Niger, while four died in Borno and three in Kaduna.

The rally began peacefully but took a violent turn in some cities, leading to violent confrontations between the police and the protesters.

Businesses, banks, shopping plazas, and some markets also did not open for fear of the protests escalating into a crisis.
Reacting to the situation, the religious council warned that if this situation persists for an extended period, only God knows the extent of the damage that could occur.

The statement read, “NIREC observes with a heavy heart the happenings in the country at the moment.

“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 further called on citizens to call off this protest and give the Government a chance to redeem itself.
It also urged security agencies to be more professional in discharging their duties.

“The council urges 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 an enormous amount of property have been destroyed. Imagine if this continues for a prolonged period, only God knows the extent of the damage that would be incurred.

“The Council calls on the security agencies to be more professional in discharging their duties. NIREC urges the government to expedite action to meet the yearnings 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 statement stated