ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians, particularly those behind the proposed protest, to reconsider their plans, arguing that such actions could exacerbate the country’s challenges rather than alleviate them. Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the government is actively addressing the concerns raised and that previous protests, often hijacked by hoodlums, had not led to constructive outcomes.
Speaking while hosting the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and his delegation at Government House, Asaba, the Governor remarked, “A few days ago, I read your press statement on this protest. I was very happy, and your visit today is an opportunity for you to talk to other faith leaders in this state, to continue to put this state and the country in prayers.”
He acknowledged the difficult times the nation is facing but stressed that protests have historically led to unintended consequences. “We know all the demands and requests of the protesters. We are doing our best to make sure that our people are being taken care of. So protest is not the solution at this time,” he stated. “You have reason to protest but can you manage the protest? We have seen it in the past, we know what happened and how it ended. People were robbed and attacked.”
Governor Oborevwori urged for unity and peace, stating, “The solution is that we have to be more united and peaceful to see how we can move the state from the level it is today to a higher level. I believe we will achieve it. Your coming is a blessing because you need to talk to our people. At the evening service today or tomorrow, you can preach to our people not to take laws into their hands. There are people who are already planning to hijack the process.”
Archbishop Daniel Okoh commended Governor Oborevwori for his administration’s commitment to the rapid infrastructural development of Delta State through the rehabilitation of roads and the construction of new ones. “We commend your untiring efforts in maintaining peace and tranquillity in Delta State. It is an incontrovertible fact that peace is an indispensable factor in accelerating development and attracting investments, and this you have done with passion,” Archbishop Okoh said.
He also informed the governor about an upcoming event, ‘Africa Sings,’ an international choral music festival and singing competition scheduled to take place in Asaba from October 8 to October 13, 2024.
Addressing the planned protest against hunger in the country, Archbishop Okoh said, “When we say we are doing a protest, in most cases, we say we are doing it for the common man, but we must also do it in such a way that the interest of the common man is also protected. Antecedents have shown that miscreants tend to hijack the process, and so, we are a bit worried that it might go the way that many people will not be comfortable with and that miscreants might see it as an opportunity to loot shops of the common people and to break into the homes of the common people under the pretence of protest.”
He concluded by suggesting alternative means of expressing dissatisfaction and urged the government to implement clear policies that reassure the populace of its commitment to improving living conditions. “On the other hand, we appeal to the government to come out very clearly with policies and actions that will reassure the common man that the government is sincerely committed to improving the living conditions of the people and people who are in government should try as much as possible to reduce their opulent lifestyles in the midst of poverty,” Archbishop Okoh added.
