Politics
Protest Alert: Northern CAN Highlights Nigerians’ Ongoing Hardships
Protest Alert: Northern CAN Highlights Nigerians’ Ongoing Hardships....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has urged government officials to be cautious with their statements and actions to avoid further aggravating the hardships faced by Nigerians…….. CONTINUE READING
In a statement issued by Elder Sunday Oibe, Secretary of Northern CAN, the association criticized claims that the upcoming nationwide protest is being fueled by opposition elements, calling it an affront to Nigerians enduring significant suffering.
Oibe stressed that the government should approach the situation with empathy and acknowledge the struggles of the people. He remarked, “Nigerians have long endured suffering while those in power seem indifferent. The continuous decline of the naira and rampant inflation have severely eroded purchasing power.”
The statement highlighted that the planned protest, driven by concerns over hunger, poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship, has sparked widespread reaction and fear across Nigeria. Oibe noted that the current state of affairs is intolerable and reflects deeper issues within the country.
“Nigerians are hungry and angry, and their resilience is being tested,” Oibe continued. “The planned protest underscores the severity of the situation. In a democracy, citizens have the right to peaceful protest over issues affecting their welfare.”
Northern CAN acknowledged the government’s efforts to address various problems but criticized the lack of effective relief as living costs rise and security challenges persist. The statement urged the government to implement meaningful and long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
The removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu was also mentioned, with Oibe highlighting that Nigerians have yet to see benefits from this policy change. Security remains a major concern, with frequent banditry and terrorism causing widespread disruption and displacement in several states.
Northern CAN expressed confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies to combat these threats but criticized the lack of permanent solutions. The statement also called for a more stable economic environment, criticizing the impact of the naira’s depreciation and suggesting that reducing import duties on food might be ineffective given the currency’s decline.
Additionally, Northern CAN warned against attempts to inject religious, ethnic, or regional sentiments into the protest, emphasizing that hunger affects everyone regardless of such divisions. The statement recalled past protests, such as the 2012 “Occupy Nigeria” movement, to underscore the cyclical nature of political and economic struggles in Nigeria.
The statement concluded by urging politicians to be mindful of their actions, calling for continued prayers for the country’s peace, unity, and stability, and encouraging the government to address its shortcomings to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
