In response to the 24-hour curfew imposed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Jos and Bukuru metropolis, Prophet Isa El-Buba, a prominent leader in the ongoing “End Bad Governance” protests, has strongly criticized the move, claiming it is an attempt to stifle the voices of Nigerians.
Prophet El-Buba, who is the convener of the Initiative for Better Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) and General Overseer of El-Buba Outreach Ministries International (EBOMI), expressed his disappointment with the government’s decision. In a statement addressing the curfew, he highlighted the peaceful nature of the protests in Plateau State, emphasizing the unprecedented unity between Christians and Muslims during the demonstrations.
“I declare to you, Nigerians, we are amazed and so disappointed in the declaration by the state government of the curfew. There is nothing that warrants that. Plateau State has been adjudged as hosting the most peaceful protest all over the world. History has been made here,” El-Buba said.
He recounted the solidarity shown by participants, noting how Christian protesters shielded their Muslim counterparts during prayers, and vice versa, throughout the protests. “Thousands of Muslims on the day of the protest, the first day, the second day, the third day, have been shielded by their Christian brothers and sisters. And today, Sunday, the massive turnout of Christians in their thousands were shielded by Muslims in their thousands. It has never happened,” he added.
El-Buba dismissed the incident at a restaurant, which reportedly led to the curfew, as a minor issue that did not justify such a drastic response from the government. He suggested that the curfew was an attempt to demoralize and silence the young people driving the protests, but insisted that their mission to “take back the soul of their nation” would continue.
“I want to say this at this particular moment, that the soul and the voice of the Nigerian people can never be silenced. I want you to remain peaceful and law-abiding. I want you to obey the rules of the game and immediately after the curfew is lifted, we shall resume the protest,” El-Buba declared, urging protesters to stay focused and avoid any confrontation with law enforcement.
El-Buba reaffirmed the legitimacy of the protest, stressing that the goal was to end bad governance in Nigeria and to secure a brighter future for the country’s youth. He urged Nigerians to stay calm and united in their efforts until their mission is accomplished. “Stay calm and make sure that you lift up the banner of Nigeria and no other nation. And until we recover the soul of our country, bad governance will end in Nigeria. God bless you and God bless Nigerians,” he concluded.
