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.”