AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Nigerian Baptist Convention has raised the concern that the planned nationwide protest billed to take off today (August 1) by the youth might be hijacked by ‘enemies’ who are scheming to wreak havoc by plunging the citizens into a more severe hardship if caution is not applied.
Rather than address the plights of the people, the Convention said that the protest is being eagerly awaited by some elements who don’t mean well for the country.
Dr Israel Akanji, President, Nigerian Baptist Convention in a statement on Wednesday, advised that rather than allow the kind of fate that befell Kenya and other African countries that were drifted into bloody riots and destruction to happen in Nigeria, the people should pray for the leaders and patiently wait for God to step in.
Dr Akanji admonished, “Beloved people of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (churches, associations, conferences and institutions) and the entire people of Nigeria, I bring you greetings in the name of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. My communication on this occasion is regarding the planned protest which is slated to commence on August 1, 2024. We have no assurance that it may not commence before that time and also definitely do not know when it will end.
“By now, I believe you have been hearing several voices of inspiration and wisdom which have been speaking about both the usefulness of protest and its high propensity of being hijacked by people with no good intention for anyone else apart from themselves. I do not need anyone to tell me that the protest is being eagerly awaited by many people who are desirous and fully prepared, beyond common reasoning, to unleash brutal havoc upon our beautiful nation, because they have always been enemies of our great country.
“They see the protest as a point of entry into the woes they have desired to unleash on our beautiful country. I also know too well that the outcome of the planned protest will draw our nation many decades backward, apart from the irreparable losses that will be incurred.”
He further advised, “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.
“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.
“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 heading for where we now are. Therefore, all blame cannot be heaped on our current leaders. 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.”
According to him, no part of the country would be spared in the security risks of embarking on the protest being anticipated in Nigeria. For many innocent people, he said the protest would compound the suffering of common man in the country, stressing that “The loss of lives and property must be prevented by all.
“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’ name! 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 shekel at the gate of Samaria. We must, at a time of great trials, continue to hold firmly to our God.”
Remarking that the darkest part of the night is usually when the morning light is at the corner, he counselled , “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 and attraction to many.
“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.
“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. I counsel that we remember I Tim. 2: 1-3. I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for kings and those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
“Let us be patient with our leaders. Just like it takes nine 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.
“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.”
