In anticipation of the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, the Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have issued a call for participants to conduct themselves with civility and respect.

Following a meeting at the Domus Pacis Pastoral Institute in Igoba, Akure, Ondo State, the bishops emphasized the importance of maintaining order and peace throughout the demonstrations.

The communiqué, signed by Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin of the Ibadan Catholic Archdiocese and Bishop John Oyejola, underscores the significance of protests being conducted in a manner that reflects the democratic values they are meant to uphold.

The bishops highlighted that while the right to protest is a fundamental aspect of democratic societies, it must be exercised responsibly and without causing disruption to others.

The statement outlined that the purpose of the protests should be clear and solely aimed at addressing the issues at hand, without creating unnecessary disturbance or conflict.

It is crucial for organizers to ensure that the demonstrations are carried out in an orderly fashion and to be mindful of those who choose not to participate, respecting their right to abstain from the protest.

Furthermore, the bishops urged security agencies to protect the protesters from any form of violence and to ensure their safety throughout the demonstration.

They also appealed to all levels of government to address the concerns and hardships faced by Nigerians more effectively, suggesting that a more prompt and attentive response could have potentially mitigated the need for such protests.

In conclusion, the bishops called on both protesters and authorities to act with responsibility and consideration, aiming for a peaceful and constructive expression of dissent that respects the rights of all individuals involved.