The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states and Abuja has said the planned nationwide hunger protests was an indication that things have gone really bad in the Country.

The body maintained that the masses have been “suffering and smiling” for too long with the government showing no concern.

CAN asked the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to take concrete steps to address the economic hardship and insecurity plaguing the country, rather than allegedly inducing religious and traditional leaders in order to halt the planned protests.

The Christian organisation admonished Nigerian politicians to be mindful of their actions and inactions, recalling the “Occupy Nigeria” protest in 2012 led by President Tinubu forced former President Goodluck Jonathan to retrace his steps over the planned removal of petrol subsidy during his administration.

In a statement through its, Secretary, Elder Sunday Oibe in Kaduna on Saturday, Northern CAN expressed deep concern over the planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship, citing the unbearable living conditions in the country at the moment.

The body noted that 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.

The association criticised the government’s efforts as cosmetic and urged pragmatic solutions to produce tangible and lasting relief, noting that “such efforts have not brought the desired succour to the people as the cost of living keeps rising amid security challenges.”

Northern CAN called on the government to stop bandits and terrorists, who have destroyed socio-economic activities in communities, and to address the slide in the value of the Naira and skyrocketing inflation.

Consequently, they asked the government to apologise for its ineptitude and failure to address challenges threatening the country’s foundation while calling on Christians to continue to pray fervently for the country.

The statement reads, “Hunger has now become a unifying factor for the masses. Government officials must be mindful of their utterances and actions to avoid provocating people groaning under hardship.

“The insinuation by some people that the protest is being promoted by some opposition elements is an insult to 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 naira exchanges for about N1,600 to the dollar. The government must do something about this.”

The statement continued “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 those sentiment.

Those behind this dangerous path must desist from their evil plots.”

It added, “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 Jonathan’s era. We advised politicians to be mindful of their actions and inactions as “what goes around, comes around.”

CAN called on “Christians to continue to pray fervently for the country”‘ saying 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 condition of the people.

“We call for prayers for peace, unity, and stability of our country. Pray for God’s intervention in our country.”

Northern CAN continued, “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.”

It added that “The planned protest is an indication that things have gone really 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; insecurity continues to remain undermined by the Nigerian state.” (Saturday PUNCH)

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