By Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona
THERE are strong indications that unless something dramatic was done to contain the mass protests embarked upon by Nigerians in the wake of New Year Day fuel price hike and the threat of a jihad by Islamic fundamentalist group, Boko Haram, the nation might be plunged into anarchy reminiscent of what preceded the 1967-70 Nigerian Civil War, clerics warned.

Eminent Nigerian Christian leaders have again cautioned President Goodluck Jonathan to listen to the voice of reason, especially coming from elder statesmen like former Head of State, General Yakubu and former President Shehu Shagari, both of whom have canvassed for the reversion to the status quo ante to avoid what they refer to as avoidable anarchy in the nation.

The clerics also warned that enough damage had already been done to the nation’s economy, stressing that it was doubtful if it will be able to withstand any further disruptions symbolised by another round of nationwide strikes, rallies and protests at this crucial moment of the nation’s political history.

Those who spoke at different fora, were the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie; presiding bishop of The Redeemed Evange-lical Mission, TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Spiritual leader of St. Joseph’s Chosen Church of God, SJCCG, Apostle Hayford Alile; Prelate, The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Emele Mba Uka; senior pastor of Household of God Church, Rev. Chris Okotie and the director of Social Communi-cations at the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Rev. Monsignor Gabriel Osu.

were unanimous in their call for caution in view of the precarious security situation in the country.

They appear to be more worried by the plight of Christians residing in the North than the olive branch extended by President Goodluck Jonathan in his last Friday nationwide broadcast, saying all that the president requires to avoid a pending national catastrophe is to acquiesce at this point and begin another round of genuine consultation with all the stakeholders in the country before the removal of fuel subsidy.

They said he can no longer take the people for granted and continue to “play with fire because fire burns.”

They argued that the festering Boko Haram menace, which thus far had defied every solution, is, by itself, enough to engage the undivided attention of any government, noting that the militant Islamic sect and other aggrieved, equally militant groups in different areas of the nation may capitalise on a prolonged labour strike to wreak havoc on innocent persons and infrastructure.