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| Hunger Protest in Niger |
It has been trending in recent weeks that Nigerian youths have expressed their intention to engage in a nationwide hunger protest, driven by widespread economic hardship and discontent. Despite efforts by President Tinubu and other stakeholders to dissuade them, the youths remain resolute. This situation raises a pertinent question: Now as a Christian, are Christians made to protest?
First let us look at The Role of Christians in Society
Christianity teaches values of peace, love, and respect for authority. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." This scripture emphasizes the importance of respecting and obeying governmental institutions.
However, the Bible also records instances where God's people stood against injustice. For example, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, and Jesus Christ himself spoke out against the Pharisees and Sadducees for their hypocrisy. The key is discerning when and how to stand up for what is right without resorting to violence or rebellion.
Then the question now is what is The Christian Approach to Protest ?
Protesting, in itself, is not unchristian. The critical aspect is the manner in which it is conducted. Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). This means that any form of protest or dissent should be conducted peacefully and lawfully, reflecting the love and character of Christ.
Now as christians we have seen that it is not bad to protest but as Nigeria and Nigerian politicians are concerned, one needs to take proper caution especially from on Lessons from the EndSARS Protests.
Incase you have forgeotten, the EndSARS protests of 2020 serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of violent protests. What began as a peaceful demonstration against police brutality ended in sporadic shootings, resulting in loss of lives and widespread destruction. This tragic outcome underscores the importance of maintaining non-violence in protest actions and as well as the dangers of protesting in an uncivilised country like Nigeria where peaceful protest can easily be hijaked and turned to the house of doom for the interest of the wicked Nigerians. For Nigerian youths considering a hunger protest, it's crucial to remember these lessons. Violence only breeds more violence and often leads to outcomes far worse than the initial grievances. If on the process of a peaceful protest you start fighting and breaking bottles, you have automatically hijack the process and divert it to a deadly weapon of mass destruction.
Is there a way forward than the said protest? the answer is yes!
Instead of engaging in potentially violent protests, Christians and Nigerian youths can explore other avenues to address their concerns:
Dialogue and Advocacy: Engage with government officials, civil society organizations, and international bodies through dialogue and advocacy. Presenting a united and peaceful front can often lead to more sustainable solutions, though it doesn;t work in Nigeria.
Prayer and Fasting: As Christians, prayer and fasting are powerful tools. Seeking divine intervention can bring about change in ways beyond human capability.
If a protest is necessary, it should be well-organized, peaceful, and within the legal framework. This ensures that the message is heard without the risk of violence or backlash.
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