The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has called on government officials to be cautious with their statements and actions to avoid further aggravating the public, who are already suffering under economic hardship.
In a statement signed by Elder Sunday Oibe, Secretary of Northern CAN, the association criticized recent claims suggesting that the forthcoming nationwide protests are being orchestrated by opposition forces. They argued that such insinuations insult the suffering of Nigerians who are enduring significant economic distress.
Northern CAN emphasized that the government must adopt a more empathetic approach to address the ongoing issues. They highlighted that Nigerians have long endured economic struggles, including the devaluation of the naira and rising inflation, which have severely diminished their purchasing power.
The statement also acknowledged the growing concern and apprehension surrounding the planned protests, which are driven by issues such as hunger, poverty, insecurity, and economic difficulties. Northern CAN underscored that the protests reflect widespread frustration and discontent with the current state of affairs.
The association urged the government to move beyond temporary fixes and implement effective, long-term solutions to the country’s economic and security challenges. They noted that despite efforts to address these problems, the cost of living continues to rise, and insecurity remains a persistent issue.
Northern CAN also expressed concern about potential attempts to infuse religious, ethnic, or regional biases into the protests, stressing that hunger and economic hardship affect all Nigerians regardless of their background. They cautioned against divisive tactics and called for unity in addressing the country’s challenges.
In conclusion, Northern CAN urged politicians to remember past experiences and remain mindful of their actions, as the current economic situation is more dire than in previous administrations. They also encouraged Christians to continue praying for the nation amidst widespread corruption and economic disparity.
