Expressing deep concern over the relentless challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja has called on the President Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government to urgently address the worsening economic conditions and escalating security issues in the country.
In a statement released on Friday in Kaduna by Elder Sunday Oibe, the Secretary-General of Northern CAN, the association highlighted the unbearable impact of the harsh economy on the lives of ordinary citizens.
The soaring costs of foodstuffs, transportation, goods, and services have created significant difficulties for many Nigerians, intensifying their daily struggles.
Oibe emphasized that these economic hardships are compounded by the escalating insecurity characterized by rampant killings and kidnappings for ransom. The Christian body expressed sadness over the continuous attacks in Plateau State, resulting in the tragic loss of over 300 lives.
The statement urged the government to take immediate and decisive actions not only in Plateau but across the entire country to halt the alarming rate of killings.
The statement, titled “The Federal Government Should Urgently Address the Escalating Insecurity and Hunger in the Country,” serves as a poignant call for swift and comprehensive measures to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. It underscores the urgent need for the government to tackle both the economic challenges and security threats, recognizing the intertwined nature of these issues affecting the well-being of the nation.
The statement read, “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 have completely weakened the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
“The situation is further compounded by escalating insecurity occasioned by rampant killings and kidnappings for ransom.
“Unless justice is done, by ensuring that the perpetrators and the sponsors are brought to book, all the talks about peace may be mere rhetoric.
“The 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.
“It is unfortunate that we introduce ethnic and regional sentiments in a harmless policy that is meant to streamline operations and make the agencies more effective and reduce cost.”