CAN Call for Calm
The recent plea from the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN for President Tinubu to reduce fuel and food prices, while simultaneously urging youth to abandon planned protests, reveals the complex and often contradictory responses to Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis.
On the surface, the CAN appeal seems reasonable. Reduced prices would certainly alleviate some immediate suffering, and violence should always be avoided. However, this stance raises several critical issues:
The Limitations of Dialogue
While CAN advocates for “peaceful dialogue,” it’s worth asking: How effective has dialogue been so far? Nigerians have been voicing their concerns about economic hardship for months if not years. At what point does dialogue need to be backed by more forceful civic action?
The Right to Protest
By discouraging protests outright, CAN risks undermining a fundamental democratic right. Peaceful protest is a vital tool for citizens to express discontent and push for change. The blanket statement that “protests and violence have never yielded positive results” is not only historically inaccurate but potentially dangerous in a democracy.
Fear-Mongering vs. Responsible Leadership
While the concern about protests being hijacked by miscreants is valid, using this as a reason to discourage all forms of protest smacks of fear-mongering. Instead of discouraging protests entirely, responsible leadership should focus on how to ensure protests remain peaceful and effective.
The Role of Faith Leaders
CAN’s invocation of Romans 13:1-3 to discourage rebellion against authority is a problematic interpretation in this context. It raises questions about the role of faith leaders in times of crisis. Should they be unquestioning supporters of the status quo, or should they stand with the oppressed and marginalized?
Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Solutions
While immediate price reductions would provide some relief, they don’t address the underlying structural issues in Nigeria’s economy. By focusing solely on short-term measures, CAN may be missing an opportunity to push for more fundamental reforms.
The Localization of a National Issue
CAN Niger State’s reference to the “Farmer Governor” and local initiatives, while positive, seems to sidestep the national nature of this crisis. Economic hardship isn’t unique to Niger State, and local solutions, while helpful, are insufficient to address a nationwide problem.
The Danger of Complacency
CAN Call for Calm by discouraging protests and emphasizing patience, CAN risks promoting dangerous complacency. How long should Nigerians wait for economic conditions to improve? At what point does patience become acquiescence to injustice?
In conclusion, while CAN’s desire for peace and stability is commendable, its approach raises serious questions about the balance between maintaining order and pushing for necessary change. In times of crisis, religious leaders have a responsibility not just to preach calm, but to stand firmly for justice and the rights of the marginalized.
As Nigeria grapples with this economic crisis, what’s needed is not just calls for calm, but a robust, national conversation about economic policy, governance, and the rights of citizens to demand better from their leaders. Religious organizations like CAN could play a crucial role in facilitating this conversation, rather than potentially stifling it.
The planned protests represent more than just economic discontent; they are a cry for dignity, for a future that doesn’t constantly teeter on the brink of crisis. By dismissing these concerns and discouraging action, CAN risks alienating the very people it aims to serve and protect.
As we move forward, the question remains: How can Nigeria balance the need for stability with the urgent demand for change? The answer may lie not in silencing dissent, but in channeling it productively towards lasting solutions.
Reference
Hunger protests: CAN urges Tinubu to reduce fuel, food prices published in Punch