ASABA/Nigeria: The Urhobo Christian Ministers Association International, on Wednesday, called on Nigerian youths to suspend the planned nationwide protests over rising hunger and starvation in the country.
The Association warned that such protests could further damage the nation’s economy and worsen the hunger crisis.
Speaking to journalists after a visit to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State at Government House, Asaba, Archbishop Solomon Gbakara, President of the Association, emphasized the need for peace and patience. “We are concerned about the peace of the country,” Gbakara stated. “We appeal for the suspension of the planned nationwide protests to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation to loot shops and businesses.”
Gbakara acknowledged the widespread frustration but urged a measured response. “I want to appeal to Nigerian youths that while all of us are feeling the heat of the hunger blowing like harmattan wind in Nigeria, we should also be sensitive and constructive in our actions and decisions,” he said.
He further explained that the appeal was based on reassurances from President Bola Tinubu, who is addressing the underlying issues causing the hunger crisis. “With what we have heard from President Bola Tinubu about the measures being put in place to tackle these challenges, we advise that the planned protest be suspended for now,” Gbakara urged.
Gbakara’s faith in the President’s promises was clear. “Let us look at the outcome of what Mr. President has said because we are believing God that the outcome will be good and we are saying this by faith because we know our prayers to God will be answered,” he said. “We advise that the protest be suspended for now and let the youths go about their work so that the economy will not be crumbled. Once the economy crumbles, the hunger will continue to increase, and in the long run, we will still go back to what Mr. President has said.”
He called for patience and faith. “So for now, let’s give Mr. President more time to bring to pass the promises he has made to Nigerians. We have been praying that action for peace is better than protests that will be destructive. We are praying for the peace of the state and the nation,” Gbakara noted.
The Archbishop also highlighted the risks of protests being hijacked by criminal elements. “We are praying for peace so that hoodlums will not hijack the process to set us back. We are for the peace of the masses, peace for the government, and peace for both the rich and the poor and for every citizen of this country,” he said.
Regarding their visit to Governor Oborevwori, Archbishop Gbakara said their mission was to pray for the Governor and offer useful advice for the progress of the state and the country. “Governor Oborevwori has listened to our advice, and by the special grace of God, he will put them to use for the growth and development of the state,” he stated.
“The Governor specifically requested us to pray for him, for the peace of Delta State, for President Bola Tinubu, and for the peace of the country,” Gbakara concluded.
