Rights group, CHURAC disassociates self from nationwide protest, cites lack of national interest

By Stephen Asaba-ase

The Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (CHURAC), has announced its pulling out of the planned Nationwide protest billed for August 1-10.

The renowned rights group made the declaration in a statement signed by its BoT, chairman Alaowei Cleric, Esq and Mr. Oyinkedi Fuofegha,

Member Board of Trustees/Publicity Secretary.

According to the group, in spite that Nigeria is currently plagued with hyper inflation occasioned by years of misrule by successive governments, the citizens revolution against the government of the day would not serve national interest.

The statement reads “The planned nationwide protest, code named:#endbadgovernment# in our findings, has some primordial political undertones. We’re in support of peaceful mass action to draw the government’s attention to our plights, we cannot however join a protest which is targeted to effect a regime change through an undemocratic means.

“We’re not saying the present governments at all levels are doing enough to curb the growing and unbearable hardship in the land. We will continue to give support to patriotic citizens to hold the leadership in public governance to account.

“However, a protest where some fifth columnists are planning to hijack in order to serve their undemocratic cravings will not do any good to the Country. The bloody #endsarsnow# protest is still very fresh in our memories. We lose more than recording any gains in such protests.

“There are many other civilised means to draw the government’s attention to the sufferings of the people. Citizens can show their resentment to the government in a situation like this but it is very glaring that political opportunists want to hijack it to unleash an undemocratic mayhem in the land.

“As a patriotic human rights organization, we cannot join a mass action that will result in a bloodbath. Peace in the land is something we hold very dear. No sacrifice is too much to keep the peace in the land.

“On the premise of the above and arising from a well represented stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the protest, we hereby resolved as follows:

“1. That CHURAC will not participate in the protest and thus, directs its members across the Country to refrain from joining the protest in any manner.

“2. We appeal to all affiliate organizations to shun the protest.

“3. CHURAC appeal to Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used by political opportunists to ferment mayhem during the protest.

“4. CHURAC will always make itself as a vehicle for good governance.

5. We will continue to champion the course and well being of humanity in a democratic manner.

“6. The planned nationwide protest falls short of the expectations of citizens’ civil actions.

“7. While we will not condemn those with genuine interest to draw the government’s attention through this protest, we also join them to call on the Government to take drastic action to address the problems of the Country.

“8. The security and welfare of the people are the primary responsibilities of the Government. The Government therefore should direct its policies to immediately address the growing national conundrums which are hunger and hardship.

“9. A hungry man is an angry man. Therefore, the Country is not safe if the masses are reduced to the beaming end due to the government’s inimical policies”.

However, the statement underscores CHURAC’s commitment to democratic and peaceful means of promoting human rights and good governance.