The group said protests at this time could heighten tension ahead of Eid-el-Kabir and called on CAN, security agencies, and religious leaders to prioritize dialogue over public demonstrations
The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has called on the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to reconsider a planned nationwide protest scheduled for Sunday, warning that the timing could heighten religious tension ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
“Such actions could undermine national peace and unity,” the group said in a statement issued Sunday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Yusuf Agbabiaka.
According to MMWG, the directive was circulated to RCCG parishes nationwide, asking members to hold peaceful demonstrations with placards bearing messages directed at the federal government. The group said religious platforms should avoid actions that could disrupt public order, stating that “religious platforms should not be used to mobilize for actions that could disrupt public order.”
The group also expressed concern over repeated allegations by some Christian bodies accusing the government of pursuing an “Islamization agenda” and persecuting Christians. It said such claims, if unsubstantiated, amount to misinformation that can inflame public sentiment.
MMWG called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to engage its affiliate churches and ensure that religious leaders do not use their platforms to mobilize followers for actions that could breach public peace. It also referenced the RCCG’s affiliation with First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, questioning the rationale for a protest against an administration led by her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Army, the Department of State Services, and the National Intelligence Agency, to monitor the situation and take steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
On interfaith relations, MMWG said Muslim leaders and Islamic bodies within the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) should review their participation, arguing that the council had not adequately addressed conduct it described as provocative.
The group added that Muslims have consistently advocated dialogue to address Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and infrastructure deficits. “Muslims have consistently advocated dialogue to address Nigeria’s challenges,” it said, urging all religious leaders to adopt the same approach.
MMWG also referenced political developments from the 2023 elections, noting that disagreements over election outcomes should not translate into sustained public campaigns against the government.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God has not yet issued a public response to the statement.
The MMWG statement was issued in response to an earlier RCCG memo (attached below) directing its parishes nationwide to organize peaceful demonstrations.
