As the country’s hardship grows intolerable for average Nigerians, the Christian Association of Nigerians (CAN) in the 19 Northern States, including Abuja, raised an alarm on Friday about the current harsh economic climate.
The organization stated that the growing security risks in the country were extremely disturbing. This follows a similar worry expressed by Jama’atu Nasril Islam, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar, who called on the federal and state governments to step in and address the economic suffering that was driving Nigerians into protest.
Recall that this week – Monday through Tuesday, angry youths and women took to the streets of Minna in Niger, Kano, Ondo, Rivers, Kogi, and Osun states to protest against what they described as the rising cost of living in the country.
The protest started from a group of women and youths in Minna, Niger State, who reportedly called on the Tinubu administration to solve the issue of “hunger in the land“, while blocking the popular Kpakungu Roundabout on the always-busy Minna-Bida Road in Niger.
Security personnel tried to put an end to the demonstration by firing tear gas canisters into the throng and making arrests, but the mob repelled their attempts.
In light of this, the Northern CAN urged the Federal Government to intervene immediately and solve the dire economic and deteriorating security conditions in the nation in a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Elder Sunday Oibe, in Kaduna.
According to the organisation’s Secretary, “the suffering in the country is becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians” as the high cost of foodstuffs, transportation, goods, and services have made life difficult for many Nigerians.
He contended that the rising levels of insecurity brought on by frequent assassinations and kidnappings for ransom were exacerbating all of these problems. In addition, he expressed the sadness of the Christian organization over the ongoing assault on Plateau State, where a minimum of three hundred people have lost their lives.
He also urged the government to take all necessary steps to put an end to the killings, not just in Plateau but throughout the nation.
The statement from the CAN secretary said, “The Federal Government should urgently address the escalating insecurity and hunger in the country.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory wishes to express its deep concern over the prevailing economic hardship and the increasing security challenges across the country.
“The suffering in the country is becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians. The high cost of foodstuffs, transportation, goods, and services has made life difficult for many Nigerians.
“The epileptic power supply has led to the collapse of many small businesses. The continued decline in the value of the naira and the seeming inability of the government to address the situation has completely weakened the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
“The situation is further compounded by escalating insecurity occasioned by rampant killings and kidnapping for ransom.
“Unless justice is done, by ensuring that the perpetrators and whoever are the sponsors are brought to book, all the peace talks may be mere rhetorics.
“Government must take urgent steps to address the depressing economic and escalating security situation in the country.
“We called on governments at all levels to support our security agencies with all that is required to fight these criminals.
“We also called on Nigerians to cooperate with security personnel and pray for them as they confront these enemies of the nation.”
This was just as the Northern CAN blasted regional groups such as the Arewa Consultative Forum, the Northern Elders Forum, as well as some Northern Senators for opposing the government plan of relocating some departments in the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria from Abuja to Lagos.
The statement continued, “Unfortunately, we introduce ethnic and regional sentiments in a harmless policy meant to streamline operations and increase the effectiveness of the agencies while reducing costs.“
