The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has expressed deep concern on the prevailing economic hardship and the increasing security challenges across the country and called on the federal government to urgently address them.
According to a statement issued by the secretary general of northern CAN,
Elder Sunday Oibe, the suffering in the country is becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians. High cost of foodstuff, transportation, goods and services have made life difficult for many Nigerians and could get worse if nothing is done now, the statement warned.
CAN also averred that epileptic power supply had also led to the collapse of many small businesses, adding that the continued decline in the value of the naira and the seeming inability of the government to address the situation had completely weakened the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
“The situation is further compounded by escalating insecurity occasioned by rampant killings and kidnapping for ransom. Government must take urgent steps to address the depressing economic and escalating security situation in the country,” it said.
Northern CAN also noted the rampaging activities of bandits in Plateau State and other parts of the country in recent time, stressing, “We are saddened by the attacks by bandits in Mangu local government area of Plateau where many people were killed and several houses burnt barely a month after several communities in Barakin Ladi, Bokkos and the same Mangu, were raided by bandits resulting in the killings of over 300 people.
“The government must do everything possible to stop the killings not only in Plateau, but across the country.
These killings have continued because the perpetrators have never been brought to justice.
“We have continued to wonder why government has not been able to hold anybody accountable for the mass killings going on in the country. Unless justice is done, by ensuring that the perpetrators and whoever are the sponsors are brought to book, all the talks about peace may be a mere rhetoric,” it added.
Similarly, the Chidi Ibeh faction of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo yesterday urged the President Bola Tinubu administration to quickly address the hardship in the country, saying Nigerians are suffering.
The group advised the president to seek the assistance of distinguished economists, such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and other reputable experts based on their merits and not tribal affiliations in his effort to rectify and reconstruct the economy.
In a statement in Abakaliki, the secretary seneral of the Ohanaeze faction, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, blamed the current economic hardship, inflation and uncertainties plaguing the country on “the incompetence, nepotism-driven appointments and corruption perpetuated by the Muhammadu Buhari government, which has been reinforced by the current Bola Tinubu administration.”
“As Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these challenges, the prices of essential commodities skyrocket, engendering widespread anguish and anger.
The unhindered pain of hunger has become unbearable for the people, exacerbated by the weakening naira due to foreign exchange complications.
“The exhaustion of Nigerians towards empty promises from the Federal Government necessitates immediate action to instill calm amid the populace,” the statement said.
It advised the Tinubu administration that the path to success lies in concrete and genuine consultations with the world-renowned economists.