Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Tuesday appealed to Nigerians to shelve the planned protest in order not to aggravate the nation’s challenge.
The governor made the appeal when the National President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh and his delegation visited him, in Asaba.
He said that the government was already addressing issues raised; adding that such protests would not solve the nation’s challenges considering the outcome of previous protests that were hijacked by hoodlums.
He said, “Few days ago, I read your press statement on this protest and I was very happy.
“Coming here today is an opportunity for you to talk to other fathers of faith in this state, to continue to put this state and the country in prayers.
“We know it is a very hard time but our belief is that any time our people go to the streets to protest, the outcome is always different.
“We know all the demands and requests of the protesters and we are doing our best to make sure that our people are being taken care of.
“So, protest is not the solution at this time.”
He urged the people to be united and remain peaceful to enable government move the state to a greater level.
He noted that the people might have reasons to protest but the challenge was on how to manage it.
“You have reason to protest but can you manage the protest? We have seen it in the past; we know what happened and how it ended. People were robbed and attacked.
“We have listened to your cry and we are doing our best.
“The solution is that we have to be more united and peaceful to see how we can move the state from the level it is today to a higher level and I believe we will achieve it.
“So, your coming is a blessing because you need to talk to our people.
“At the evening service today or tomorrow you can preach to our people not to take laws into their hands. There are people who are already planning to hijack the process.
“You have a big role to play in this few days you will stay here and I know that this state will continue to enjoy peace,” he said.
Earlier, Archbishop Okoh lauded Oborevwori, for his administration’s commitment to rapid infrastructural development of the state through rehabilitation of roads and construction of new ones.
He said, “We commend your untiring efforts in maintaining peace and tranquility in Delta state.
“It is an incontrovertible fact that peace is an indispensable factor in accelerating development and attracting investments and this you have done with passion.”
He said that they were in the state for a great physical and spiritual importance called “Africa Sings”.
According to him, it is an international choral music festival and singing competition billed to take place in Asaba, from Oct. 8 to Oct. 13.
On the planned protest in the country, the Archbishop said most protests were usually being hijacked by miscreants.
He appealed to Nigerians to explore other means of expressing their dissatisfaction with what was going on in the country.
He, however, called on the government at all levels to come out with policies and actions that would reassure the common man that government was committed to improve the living conditions of the people.