…Cautions govt. officials against provocative utterances
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has counseled that Government officials must be mindful of their utterances and actions to avoid provocating people groaning under hardship.
In an issued statement signed by Secretary, Elder Sunday Oibe, the Northern CAN said the insinuation by some people that the planned nationwide protest is being promoted by some opposition elements was an insult on the psyche of Nigerians who are going through pain.
“The Government must be sympathetic and apologetic in its approach to handling the situation.
Nigerians are resilient people. They have been “suffering and smiling” for too long, while those in power behave as if the people don’t matter.
The continued slide in the value of the naira has completely weakened the purchasing power of Nigerians amid skyrocketing inflation”.
“The planned mass protest against hunger and economic hardship by some young people in the country has generated so much reaction by various groups and individuals across Nigeria. It has also generated fear and apprehension among Nigerians. Those planning the protest hinged their reasons on hunger, poverty insecurity and the prevailing harsh economic environment in the country, among several other problems.
“There is no denying the fact that life in Nigeria has become unbearable as a result of these problems. Nigerians are indeed hungry, angry, and as resilient as they had always been, they are becoming hopeless about the state of the Nigerian nation. Northern CAN is deeply worried about the situation of things in the country.
“The planned protest is an indication that things have gone bad. Those in Government must acknowledge the fact that in a democracy, citizens have the right to embark on peaceful protest over issues affecting their welfare.
“Northern CAN notes the efforts of the Government in addressing the myriads of problems facing the country. However, such efforts have not brought about the desired succour to the people as the cost of living keeps rising amid security challenges.
“The Government should stop cosmetic or temporary approaches to tackling the issues. It should provide pragmatic solutions that produce tangible and lasting relief. Since the removal of subsidy on petrol by President Bola Tinubu over a year ago, Nigerians have yet to enjoy its benefits. Hunger has now become a unifying factor for the masses.
“Northern CAN is also worried about subtle attempts by some unscrupulous elements to introduce religious, ethnic and regional sentiments in the planned protest. The issues at stake are not about tribe, religion, or region as hunger is not a respecter of any of that sentiment. Those behind this dangerous path must desist from their evil plots”.
The associations further recalled that: “In January 2012, President Bola Tinubu and many of those who are in power today, mobilised Nigerians to a protest tagged: “Occupy Nigeria” to resist plans by former President Goodluck Jonathan to remove subsidy on petrol. Jonathan was forced to stop it.
“The economic situation in Nigeria today is worse than in Jonathan’s era. We advise politicians to be mindful of their actions and inactions as what goes around, comes around. We call on Christians to continue to pray fervently for the country.
In the past eight years, corruption became an acceptable norm, with thieving political officeholders flaunting their ill-gotten wealth in a flamboyant style amid mass poverty and deprivation”.
“The masses have lost confidence in government because Nigeria seems to be moving backwards instead of moving forward. Rather than trying to induce and influence some religious and traditional leaders to stop the protest, as it is being speculated in certain quarters, the Government should apologise for its ineptitude and failure to address challenges threatening the very foundation of the country and improve the living conditions of the people”.
“We call for prayers for peace, unity, and stability of our country. Pray for God’s intervention in our country”, the statement added.
