The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has officially distanced itself from the upcoming ten-day nationwide protest against hunger and hardship, urging its members to refrain from participating, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement released on Thursday, ECWA Public Relations Officer Reverend Ibrahim Kassim expressed concerns over the potential for the protest to be hijacked by disruptive elements.
Reverend Kassim stated that while protests are a legitimate way to express dissatisfaction with government policies, they can sometimes escalate into violence.
He referenced the EndSARS protests of October 2020, during which hoodlums infiltrated peaceful demonstrations, resulting in loss of life and property.
Kassim cautioned that the planned protest could potentially follow a similar trajectory, posing a risk to public safety.
“Considering the volatile nature of protests in Nigeria, which can be hijacked by miscreants and result in extensive damages, ECWA as a denomination wishes to inform the general public that we are not part of the planned protest,” Kassim stated.
“We are calling on our members to disregard the action entirely and not to participate in any way.”
The church acknowledged the severe economic hardships and insecurity that many Nigerians are currently facing, which are central issues driving the call for protests.
However, ECWA assured its members that it is actively engaged in advising government authorities at all levels to address these pressing concerns.
“The Church wishes to assure members that ECWA leadership is doing everything possible in advising government at the Local, State and Federal levels to take proactive measures in addressing the plight and suffering of citizens in the shortest possible time.”
