The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has urged for peace and tolerance ahead of a planned statewide protest in August.
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the NCPC, made the demand in a statement on Sunday.
He encouraged Nigerians to seek alternative means of expressing their issues, reminding them that President Bola Tinubu is concerned about their well-being.
“Despite the obstacles, the President has implemented palliative measures throughout the states to alleviate suffering. I encourage us to avoid participation in the scheduled nationwide protest and instead seek alternative avenues for voicing our concerns,” he stated.
“Let us engage in respectful dialogue, constructive criticism, and collaborative problem-solving. We need to work together to create solutions that benefit our entire nation. Nigeria is like a ship in a storm; we must work together to keep it afloat rather than risk crashing on the rocks of turmoil and disorder.
“I encourage all Nigerians to continue praying for our country and its leaders, particularly our President, for wisdom and direction in these trying times. Let us chose the path of peace, patience, and perseverance, and join forces to build a better Nigeria.”
Similarly, in Kaduna State, students of several higher schools have distanced themselves from the planned national demonstration on August 1st, claiming the action will not be in their interest as future leaders.
Students from Kaduna State University, Ahmadu Bello University, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, and Kaduna State Polytechnic spoke out during a summit to examine the federal and Kaduna State governments’ achievements, particularly in education.
According to the organisers, the summit will highlight some of the Governor Uba Sani administration’s achievements in the educational sector while also encouraging meaningful dialogue among students, policymakers, and other stakeholders on other issues, particularly the planned nationwide protest.
The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday, and student union leaders from all Kaduna State’s higher schools were also in attendance.