President of the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo has clarified the Church’s position on the planned nationwide protest against the hardship faced by Nigerians which is scheduled to take place on the 1st August, 2024.
This according to the COCIN President became necessary following the mixed reactions generated by the earlier statement issued by the church on the 25th July, 2024 which cautioned COCIN members against participating in the planned protest.
The statement reads;
Dear Members of COCIN,
As we address the nationwide planned protest, clearly conveying the church’s stance on this critical issue through church management is imperative. Our commitment to justice, peace, and the well-being of our communities guides our position.
⦁ Constitutional Rights and Peaceful Protests: The constitution of Nigeria provides for the right to peaceful protest. Therefore, citizens should be free to express their opinions and grievances peacefully. As a church, we fully support this constitutional right and stand by the principle that peaceful protests are a legitimate way for citizens to voice their concerns.
⦁ Leadership and Organization of Protests: The current protest appears faceless and lacks clear leadership. To prevent it from devolving into violence, it must have a well-defined purpose and identifiable leaders. The church supports protests with recognisable leaders and a clear vision and purpose.
⦁ Demanding Justice and Policies for the People: We must advocate for protests that demand justice, freedom, and policies that are friendly to the populace. We must support causes that seek to improve the lives of our fellow citizens.
⦁ Clarity of Purpose and Leadership: Understanding the issues the protest organisers are addressing is important. What are their goals? Who is the visible leader? Effective leadership ensures that a protest remains peaceful and focused on its objectives. We call for transparency and accountability in the leadership of any protest movement.
⦁ Legitimate Organizers: We recognise that established groups, such as labour unions, organised civil society, and human rights organisations, have the right and responsibility to organise protests. These groups have the experience and structure necessary for peaceful and effective protests. Nevertheless, if there are others, we must demand clarity of purpose and identifiable leaders behind it.
⦁ Dissenting Coalitions: Notably, the Coalition of Concerned Citizens and the Coalition of 19th Northern Gubernatorial Candidates have distanced themselves from the protest. This raises questions about the legitimacy and direction of the current protest movement.
⦁ Peace and Security: Maintaining the peace and security of our communities is of utmost importance. History has shown that violence never solves problems and often worsens them. We must be cautious in our stance, ensuring that we do not provide opportunities for those with malicious intentions to inflict further harm. Wisdom and prudence are essential in these challenging times. It is not enough to cite examples from other countries without scrutinising the motive behind every movement.
⦁ Impact on Our Communities: Our members own landed properties, companies, shops, and other businesses across the state. Our communities have already suffered greatly from the actions of Fulani terrorists, including the destruction of farmlands and homes and restrictions on movement in our localities. The government of the state is striving to ensure security, and we must consider whether we can endure more violence. Plateau State and other regions in Nigeria cannot afford additional hardship and suffering.
In conclusion, while we support the constitutional right to peaceful protest, we urge caution and wisdom. Let us advocate for justice and peace through well-organized and led movements that can address the people’s grievances without inviting further violence and suffering.
May God guide us in these times of trial and lead us toward a future of peace and justice.
Sincerely,
Rev Dr Amos M. Mohzo
President, Church of Christ in Nations
