PROTEST: Way Forward -Nigerians Should Tread Softly, Dialogue, and Unite

The protests that started with the core message of real biting hunger and serious suffering going out of control in Nigeria today, has just ended with the leaders of the protest declared to be off the street. But, the protest commenced on the first day in some parts of the country, especially in the North, with reports of violence, looting, and destruction of public properties, was urged to be called off by President Tinubu during his address to the nation on the third day of the protest.  

In this report, Providence News seeks the opinion of some respected Nigerian clerics on the #EndBadGovernance protest, the President’s address, and the way forward. Excerpt:

Commander Peter Olabode, the General Overseer of Moment of Grace and Fire Ministry, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos also, the President of Jehu Generation Pastors’ Prayer Network, urged Nigerians to watch out and must tread softly. Few people will understand this, but the reality is staring at our faces.

“The president is carrying an inherited burden, bigger than his strength, and we need to support, pray, and intercede for him for strength and capacity, rather than ungodly,  wicked criticism. This challenge is a key spiritual problem, and the problem of Nigeria is caused by Nigerians not President Tinubu. Any Nigerian who is involved in any form of idolatry is a principal enemy of Nigeria’s progress”, he declared.

“But, we must understand that Nigeria’s Light (Glory) was switched off during Festac 1977 when she ignorantly and carelessly sold her glory and became the continental hub of idolatry”, Olabode said.

Israel is God’s first born and Nigeria is His last born. God is a jealous God, He hates seeing His children going after any other gods, and that is exactly the core of our calamity.

Olabode assured, “I have a hundred percent assurance that there is hope for Nigeria, and in a few years, the challenges facing Nigeria will be over.”

“Nigeria will be better during the regime of President Tinubu. But we should continue to look up to the Lord for guidance and direction”, he charged.

The protest is not necessary at this time, and thank God that the primary agenda of the protesters has been killed before the commencement.

The reason I opposed the protest is that Nations were born and also burnt in August. The First World War started in August when Britain invaded Germany. Pumpei in Italy was destroyed in August, etc.

Advising on what should be done to solve the situation, Olabode said, “What Nigerians should do at this time, is to embark on a national repentance, starting with the initiators of Festac 77, the organisers, and the sponsors to ask God for mercy, and not only that, the Nigerian  government should organise a national praise concert to bring and welcome back the King of kings into our dear country Nigeria.”

In his contribution, the General Overseer of City of God Int’l Church and the President of Apostolic Grace Partners, Apostle Godson Ita Nkereuwem, called on the protest leaders to give peace a chance and seek dialogue. He said, it is unfortunate, we found ourselves in the state we are in today. The cost of living is high, and what used to sustain a family of four in a month can no longer sustain them for a week. That is the reason why people are protesting. 

“I was happy when I learned the president would be addressing the nation, but at the end of the address, I was disappointed because the subject of the protest was not addressed. It shows a disconnect between the president and the protester’s demand”, he lamented.

But, I will advise the sponsors of the protest to sheath their swords, give peace a chance, and seek dialogue with the president so that he can be properly briefed. “I believe through this means, we shall move forward together as a nation”.

On her part, Evang. Margaret Mowalola Akindutire, the Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Prayer and the Word Apostolic Ministry, Etegbin, Otto Awori LCDA, called for unity among Nigerians and its leaders to work together towards a brighter future, “Nigeria is facing significant challenges, and the President’s address did not fully address the concerns of the masses. The country needs comprehensive reform, accountability, and social justice to move forward”.

She advised Nigerians to remain steadfast, protest peacefully, and demand a genuine change. “Nigerians should hold their leaders accountable and advocate for policies promoting equality and development. Individual righteousness is important, but collective action is crucial for a driving change.”

“Nigeria’s future is in the hands of Nigerians. Let’s work together as a people towards a brighter future”, she said.