The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on the federal government to find lasting solution to the prevailing economic hardship and insecurity facing Nigerians.
In a statement on Friday in Kaduna, Secretary General of Northern CAN, Elder Sunday Oibe, called for urgent steps to address the rising cost of
foodstuffs, transportation and essential goods and services.
The Christian body also decried the wide spread insecurity across the country occasioned by killings and abduction by bandits.
It expressed sadness over recent invasion of communities in Plateau state which led to killings and destruction of property.
Oibe also condemned the establishment of a vigilante outfit by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore in Nasarawa state, warning that allowing a tribal security outfit is an invitation to crisis.
“Northern CAN wishes to express its deep concern over the prevailing economic hardship and the increasing security challenges across the country,” the statement reads.
“The suffering in the country is becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.
“High cost of foodstuffs, transportation, goods and services have made life difficult for many Nigerians.
“The epileptic power supply has led to the collapse of small businesses.
The continued decline in the value of the naira and the seeming inability of the government to address the situation has completely weakened the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.”
Oibe said, “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.
“Northern CAN also noted the rampaging activities of bandits in Plateau state and other parts of the country in recent time and called on the government to do everything possible to end the carnage.
The statement said, “These killings have continued because the perpetrators have never been brought to justice…
“Unless justice is done, by ensuring that the perpetrators and their sponsors are brought to book, all the talks about peace may be a mere rhetorics.
The statement however commended security agencies for their sacrifices and patriotism in ensuring that these criminal elements are flushed out and urged them not to relent in their efforts to crush them.
Oibe advised that the security architecture be reviewed for effective and decisive action.
The statement further called on governments at all levels to support the security agencies with all that is required to fight banditry and terrorism.
The statement said, “Northern CAN also noted with concern, the inauguration of a security outfit by a tribal group, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore in Nasarawa state.
“We find the establishment of the security outfit by a group, which some of its members are being accused of banditry and kidnapping across the country very disturbing.
“Northern CAN wishes to state in strong terms that allowing any ethno-cultural group to set up a security outfit, is an invitation anarchy.
“In the interest of peace and security, government should not handle this issue with kid glove.
The statement also condemned the opposition by some groups against the relocation of the headquarters of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) and some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from Abuja to Lagos.
It urged Nigerians to desist from introducing ethnic and regional sentiments in a policy meant to streamline operations and make the agencies more effective and reduce cost.
The Christian body called on Nigerians to “support the present administration to overcome the eight years of calamity and retrogression of the failed administration of former President Mohammadu Buhari.”
It also called on President Tinubu to settle down and tackle the challenges facing the country so that Nigeria would bounce back.
Oibe called on Christians to continue to pray fervently for the country.
By John Shiklam in Kaduna
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