The Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) has directed members of its congregation across the country to refrain from participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest to hold from August 1 to 10, as “protest is not an option in our current Nigeria.”
According to the statement signed by Israel Akanji, the president of the convention, and published on X, the nation’s woes didn’t begin today and should be blamed on its past leaders rather than the Bola Tinubu-led administration.
Akanji also urged members of the NBC to learn from the mistake of countries like Kenya, whose protests against their government had set their country backward.
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He added that Nigerians should be instead be grateful for the good weather, great human resources, wonderful sunshine, among other things they enjoy.
THE STATEMENT IN FULL
1. We should be thankful to God for our beautiful nation. We have good weather, great vegetation, good rainfall, wonderful sunshine, great human resources, great professionals and wonderful people from all parts of our country. Nigerians also believe in the Supreme God and therefore we have never disregarded the need for the Divine in our midst. When you are outside Nigeria, you will know this best. Like in the case of the sheep, the grass is always looking greener on the other field. That is how it is for many of us in Nigeria.
2. We should be thankful for the relative peace we have begun to enjoy since the coming of the current administration Although insecurity is still a problem, as a Christian leader in our great country, I can say to all that care to hear that things have become much better than we were experiencing in the recent past.
3. We should be aware that our problems did not begin now. When we were being plunged into a painful future by some past leaders, we did not know that we were
4. heading for where we now are. Therefore, all blame cannot be heaped on our current leaders.
5. We have seen nations which protested, like Kenya, and it resulted to a very serious setback for them. It will take them decades to return to where they were before their protest began. We must learn from the mistake of others.
6. The security risks of such a protest as being planned in Nigeria will not spare any part of the country. Many innocent people will suffer additionally to their present suffering The loss of lives and property must be prevented by all.
7. The Bible tells us that there was a great famine in Samaria which was so severe to the point that people began to eat even their own children (II Kings 6:24-7:20). May we never get there in Jesus’ namel Amen. But when God showed up for the people going through that period of severe hunger, in just one day, there was a turn around. A seah of the finest flour sold for a shekel and two seahs of barley sold for a shellel at the gate of Samaria. We must, at a time of great trials, continue to hold firmly to our God through our faith in HIM WHO CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE. HE IS THE SAME YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER.
8. NIGERIA WILL BE GREAT AGAIN. The darkest part of the night is usually when the morning light is at the corner. Let us not lose hope because things will surely be better for us by the grace of God. Nigeria will not only recover from its losses, it will prosper and become a place of great admiration of and attraction to many.
9. Nigeria has many enemies around and abroad, who are waiting for us to falter, fail and fall. They are envious of our great nation. I know many nationals who do not like Nigerians. They cannot cope with God’s blessings upon us. I know there are also many nations that love us and always pray for our prosperity, yet, we cannot lose sight of those who think Nigeria, if allowed, will lead other African countries to true emancipation. Please let us not fall into their hands and wishes.
10. I counsel that every individual and family should operate in moderation. Let us eschew wastage, be less extravagant, plan better, avoid unnecessary travels and teach members of our families to be prudent. Where we cannot go, let our prayers go and let others represent us. With that, we will be out of the woods soon.
11. I counsel that we remember I Tim. 2: 1-3-“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Saviour. The truth is that many people who are clamouring for the protest are not in contact with this passage of the Bible, nor are they practicing what it says. There is no way one can be steeped in this word of God and other similar Scriptures and continue to advocate for a protest, which one can predict would be hijacked. Nigeria is a big country and not easy to rule. Our leaders need our prayers, whoever they are or may be.
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12. Let us be patient with our leaders. Just like it takes 9 months for a conceived child to be born, we must be patient to see newness in our land. And just as there is pain in the labour for the birth a child, there is pain before any great gain is received in a nation of such a size as ours. Nigeria is going through pain which will lead to gain, by the grace of God. Let us endure the pain and hold on to God until we see the benefits.
13. Let us look with compassion over Nigeria. Let us not expect anyone to love us when we do not love ourselves. Let us stop negative prophecy about our nation because we know that the best is on the way to us. Let us use continuous prayers, dialogue and unrelenting arguments to seek a better Nigeria. Protest is not an option in our current Nigeria.
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