The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has urged security agencies to take proactive measures to prevent a recurrence of the EndSARS violence as Nigerians prepare to protest against the government’s handling of the economy and insecurity.
Speaking at the Church of Nigeria Anglican Chancellors, Registrars, and Legal Officers Conference (ACRLOC) in Abuja on Tuesday, Ndukuba emphasized the need for security agencies to ensure that the planned protests do not degenerate into chaos and violence.
The primate also expressed concern over the government’s failure to address critical issues such as infrastructural development in public schools and rural communities.
He criticized the government’s handling of the economy, citing the rising levels of hardship, starvation, and economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.
“On the planned mass demonstration against hardship in Nigeria, we accept that the citizens have right to demonstrate as enshrined in the constitution.
“Given the Socio-economic situation, insecurity and apparent hunger and anger in our nation, we call for restraint and caution for all the organisers and those who want to participate in this demonstration.
“We plead for patience on the part of the people and request the police, the military and other enforcement agencies to be cautious in handling this demonstration to make sure that we do not have a reoccurrence of the EndSARS massacre again,” he said.
The primate who also commended the federal government for the steps taken so far to address the situation and complaints of the people, however advised those speaking for the government to tone down their messages and be more conciliatory.
“We both encourage the organisers and government to engage in dialogue and negotiations for the sake of peace, law and order because there is a possibility that miscreants and political disgruntled people can hijack a peace protest and turn it into a weapon to settle scores and destroy lives and property.
“Above all, we call Nigerians to prayer and solemn assembly to seek the face and intervention of God in our nation. We call for an end to corruption and looting of the treasure of this nation,” he said.
The primate also called for accountability and an intensified investigation into leaders who are ‘evil and sacred cows,’ commending the appointment of Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but urged the government to heed calls for accountability.
While addressing the issue of insecurity, which he described as a growing concern that resembles the internal conflicts in Somalia and South Sudan, the cleric called for the establishment of a state or regional police force to address the challenge.
“Our nation, Nigeria, is going through tough times. The country is facing increasing hardship, starvation, and economic difficulties. The appointment of Olanipekun Olukoyede to head the EFCC is commendable, but the calls for accountability are not being heeded.
“The investigation into leaders who are seen as evil and sacred cows must be intensified, and leadership should be seen as a sacred trust from God.
“Nigeria’s insecurity is a growing concern, resembling the internal conflicts in Somalia and South Sudan. The establishment of a State or Regional Police Force can help each zone respond to insecurity, bringing stability, security, and economic growth,” he said.
The Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, also spoke at the conference, urging participants to remain committed to serving in their roles despite facing challenges.
He also emphasised the need to connect with God’s Word and remain steadfast in one’s beliefs and responsibilities.
Ndukuba’s call comes as Nigerians prepare to take to the streets to protest against the government’s handling of the economy and insecurity, sparking fears of a repeat of the EndSARS violence that rocked the country in 2020.
