CAN insists on protests confined to its state secretariats and big churches
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
“Nigeria is now, or never…
“We better keep it, or lose it, for ever…” – Sonny Okosun
Countrywide protests against the stoning and burning of Deborah Samuel by Islamist jihadists in Sokoto will take place on Sunday, says the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), for once standing up to liars who kill for nothing.
National CAN says it will overcome the ban on religious protests imposed by Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai and shun appeals against the march by Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule and some other Northern Governors.
Plateau and Benue CAN chapters also plan protests, seeing Deborah’s murder as the capstone of countless gruesome killings across the North, and particularly in the two states, where Islamists have doubled down on evil for over a decade.
Deborah, 22, a 200 level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, was publicly lynched and burnt by her classmates on 12 May for allegedly blaspheming Islamist Mohammed.
Bayo Oladeji, spokesman for CAN President Samson Ayokunle, said protests will take place in front of state CAN secretariats or major churches.
“The nationwide protests will continue. We are not going to take to the streets so nobody should stop us from gathering in front of our premises. We will be by CAN secretariats and lift up our placards.
“In cities where there are no CAN secretariats, we will use big churches to stage protests. We know too well that if we take to the streets, they will use thugs to hijack it.
“So, we will gather in front of our churches. We are not going to take to the streets,” Oladeji explained.
Police Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi said CAN had not informed the police but he did not object to the way the protest is planned.
“We heard of the planned protests in the news and of course, everyone has a right to protest in a lawful manner but it must be done in such a manner that it must be done in a calm and mature manner so that it doesn’t worsen issues,” he explained.
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Plateau bans protests
Plateau Information and Communications Commissioner Dan Manjang acknowledged that Deborah’s death cannot be justified but warned against public protests.
“We won’t allow the protest. There is a law banning public protests in the state and as a government, we won’t welcome any form of protest. We are working with security agents to ensure it does not happen.
“This is important so that miscreants won’t take the opportunity and hijack the protest to cause confusion in Plateau.
“So, if they [CAN] trespass against the provision of the law, the law will take its course,” Manjang said, per reporting by The PUNCH.
Plateau CAN insists on protests
Plateau CAN Chairman Polycarp Lubo insisted the protests will hold.
“We have concluded plans to hold the protests in the state as directed by CAN national body. We have mobilised our members to come to our secretariat in Jos by 3pm on Sunday when it will take place.”
He denied knowledge of any law banning protests in the state saying, “I’m not aware of any such law.”
Benue CAN to join protests
Benue CAN Chairman Akpen Leva said the protests will be confined to the secretariat.
“Yes, we are going to protest on Sunday but it is going to be a peaceful protest, we are not going to march on the street. You know the situation in the country and we don’t want to cause any crisis.
“We are going to register our voice against jungle justice and unnecessary killings in the nation. Even the directive from the national secretariat is that we should do the protest within the secretariat,” Leva explained to The PUNCH.
Borno police ban protests
Borno Police Commissioner Abdu Umar said: “We have banned all forms of gathering in Borno State. We shall not allow protests of any kind to hold in Borno because criminal elements may hijack it and turn it into something else.
“The police will not grant permission to anybody or group to hold any rally and if we catch anybody or group flaunting our order, the law will take its course.
Borno CAN Mohammed Naga declined comment, saying: “I cannot grant an interview on the phone. But the police made a proclamation and it is all over the news so I cannot say anything please.”
Niger police evasive
“As much as it is every citizen’s right to hold a peaceful protest, it’s not in my place to say if CAN will be granted permission to hold one in the state,” Niger Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Wasiu said.
He added that it is necessary for anyone who wants to have a peaceful protest to liaise with security agencies for logistics and protection to avoid the protest being taken over by miscreants.
A statement previously issued by Governor Abubakar Bello’s Press Secretary Mary Berje urged security agencies to deal with anyone who tries to incite trouble and appealed to Christians in the state to remain calm.
Kaduna bans protests
Kaduna Internal Security and Home Affairs Commissioner Samuel Aruwan on Tuesday announced a ban on religious protests with immediate effect.
“The government appeals to the citizenry, in the interest of security and peace, to uphold respect for the religious and cultural affiliations of all, and eschew denigration in all its forms.
“Furthermore, the government reiterates that recourse to the law remains the only acceptable means of redress, and never self-help,” Aruwan said in a statement.
“The government of Kaduna State and security agencies will continue to monitor the situation closely, and work towards curbing the activities of recalcitrant forces attempting to cause a breakdown of law and order in the state.
“Security agencies will not hesitate to take action on anyone, regardless of status, playing a role in attempts to cause unrest.”
