The Christian Association of Nigeria has backed President Bola Tinubu’s government by calling on masterminds of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to jettison the idea.

CAN also advised those behind the plan to embrace dialogue with the government. 

“Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder,” Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, said in a statement on Friday.

Advising that the protest could degenerate into chaos and anarchy, the association cited the #EndSARS protests that turned bloody after thugs infiltrated ranks of the peaceful protesters,

The CAN said, “We must also draw from our recent history. The #EndSARS and RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of property, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.”

 According to the statement, CAN stands in solidarity with the citizens of the great nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger.

The association noted that it recognises and deeply empathises with the pain, anger, and frustration that many fellow Nigerians were experiencing.

Before CAN, other religious groups, traditional rulers, had opposed the protest.