The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Diocese, Most Reverend Adewale Martins, on Saturday, 3 August appealed to Nigerian youths to put an end to the nationwide protests to save the economy.
Martins, who made the appeal in a statement signed by the Church’s Director of Social Communication, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, said that the prolongation of the protests beyond day three would bear negatively on the economy.
He acknowledged the poverty and hunger in the land, saying that the message had reached its desired end.
The Archbishop called on the state actors to initiate measures to pacify the people with the demands made by the protesters.
He urged the Nigerian Police Force to continue to maintain restraint in engaging with the protesters and regretted incidents where the protests turned to violence and in some places resulted in loss of lives.
“It is our right as citizens for a peaceful protest that has been accomplished and will be ended now.
“The state of our economy should be of concern to us as a people.
“In order not to continue to jeopardize our economy, it is wise we halt the protests and engage the leaders on a round table to streamline the demands for a better Nigerian society,” he said.
