Protest: Catholic bishops urge organisers to exercise restraints, avoid violence

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, have urged organisers of the planned nationwide protest to exercise restraints and avoid any form of violence.

The bishops made the call in a communique they issued after the meeting of the Ibadan ecclesiastical province, held from July 29 to 30.

The Communique was signed by the Chairman, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin and the Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola.

They urged the organisers and those intending to participate in the protest not to intimidate any Nigerian who chose not to participate.

“Although it is the right of the citizenry to protest, the protesters should exercise restraint and not intimidate those who may choose not to take part.

“Allow those who might not join in the protest to go about their lawful businesses unhindered. Promote peace, and be law abiding while making your voices to be heard,”they said.

The bishops expressed concerns over the current harsh economic condition in the country, describing it as highly ‘unfriendly and worrisome’

“Nigerians have cried out over hunger, persistent insecurity, failed promises, dashed hopes and outrageous cost of living,” the communique read in parts

They said that it was important for  governments at all levels to take urgent steps towards providing solutions to the current challenges.

The bishops also urged the citizenry to support government’s efforts towards providing a better quality of life.

“If we work together, we shall overcome. We urge all Nigerians to show their true, indomitable, sterling, character in order to salvage this nation, we have no other country.

“We enjoin Nigerians to pray and fast sincerely for the country during this difficult season. We all know that through faith in God, we shall overcome,”the communique further read.

The Catholic bishops also frowned at the religious depictions of Leonardo da Vincis “The Last Supper” painting with contemporary ideological figures.

The bishops said the depictions at the opening ceremony of Olympics in France were clearly offensive to Christianity and disrespectful. 

They  called on all the faithful to observe the ongoing Year of Prayer which would lead into the 2025 Jubilee of Hope which the Holy Father Pope Francis has called on all believers to celebrate. 

"The Jubilee of hope reassures us of hope in God which does not disappoint us and which will keep us going even in the toughest times. The year of Prayer on the other hand, reminds us that prayer is an indispensable corollary to all our endeavours and undertakings.

"No matter how hard we work or toil we need God's blessings to reap the reward we intend. “If Yahweh does not build a house in vain do its builders toil” (Psalm 127:1). 

"Again, as the psalmist said “Just as the eyes of slaves are on their masters hand, or the eyes of a slave-girl on the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on Yahweh our God, for him to take pity in us” (Ps. 123:1)," they stated. (NAN)