The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has thrown its weight behind the citizens during the challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger but however warned the youths to draw experience from Pakistan, Kenya and the nation’s recent history with the #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests.
CAN in a statement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, was reacting to the planned nationwide protest against high cost of living.
Also the Youth Wing of CAN in a communique read by its President, Belusochukwu Enwere after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting backed out of the planned action.
Okoh said, “We recognize and deeply empathize with the pain, anger, and frustration that many of our fellow Nigerians are experiencing. The cries of the people underscore the severe difficulties faced daily as families struggle to afford basic necessities and sustain their livelihoods.
“As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances. The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.
“We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread làooting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.
“In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns. This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties. Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.
“We call on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people. Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.
“Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.
“We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face. The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
“In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria.
“We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times.
“May God bless Nigeria and grant us the peace and prosperity we earnestly seek.”
The YOWICAN President said while appreciating the successes made so far by the security agencies in addressing insecurities in the country, the NEC totally condemn in its entirety, the persistence of insecurity in Nigeria which has manifested in the continuous killings across the country especially, the recent multiple bomb blast in Borno State where about 18 people lost their lives.
Enwere said, “We also call for the immediate release of Pastor Paul Musa, his wife who were abducted since March, 2023, director of Ecumenism and his daughter who were abducted in Gusau Zamfara State as well as others abducted elsewhere and are still in the hands of their abductors.
“The NEC wishes to state in clear terms that it dissociate itself from any form of forthcoming protest organized to demonstrate hardship or bad governance by unknown individuals across the country. We are hopeful that the steps taking so far by the Government and with constant support and cooperation of all Nigerians, we shall get through this difficult moment. The NEC has resolved into prayers and constant engagement with the Government until things gets batter for the nation.
“The NEC calls on all Christian youths to rise to the current economic challenges in the country by engaging themselves through vocational and skills acquisition so as to be self-reliance.
“The NEC calls on the Government to continue to engage the youths and create more opportunities for the youths to be involved in nation building. The NEC calls on Christian Youths in the country to be dedicated to Christ and committed in fellowship at their Zonal and State levels while praying for the nation for a total economic turnaround.”
YOWICAN acknowledged the speedy passage of the ₦70,000 minimum wage Act by the National Assembly; granting of the Local Government autonomy and the implementation of the Student Loan Fundas notable achievements of President Bola Tinubu.
Enwere said, “The NEC is hereby calling on Mr. President to ensure the effective and efficient implementation, monitoring and sustainability of these reforms.
“The NEC still wishes to draw the attention of Mr President to the persistence hardship in the country which is occasion by the constantly raising cost of living in the country which has resulted to an unprecedented level of hunger and suffering experienced by over two million citizens of Nigeria of which our members are not exempted from. We plead with Mr. President to address the unchecked daily raise in food prices.”
Friday Olokor
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