The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 Northern states, has advised government officials to avoid provocative utterances amid agitation by some youths to embark on protest due to hardships currently being experienced by Nigerians as a result of fuel subsidy removal, and inflation among others.
This was contained in a statement titled; ‘Protest Against Hardship’ issued by the Northern CAN and signed by its Secretary, Sunday Oibe, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Saturday.
The statement noted that the planned protest is an indication that Nigerians are indeed hungry and angry, saying the citizens are becoming hopeless about the state of the nation.
The statement also said that, “Northern CAN is deeply worried about the situation of things in the country. 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 a peaceful protest over issues affecting their welfare.”
Northern CAN noted 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.”
According to the statement, the government should stop cosmetic or temporary approaches to tackling the issues, and instead 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. Almost on a daily basis, bandits/terrorists unleash mayhem.
“Mindless killings and kidnappings for ransom seemed to have become acceptable norms.
“Many communities, especially in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger states, have been displaced by bandits.
“The government must muster the political will to stop these marauding criminals that have destroyed socio-economic activities in communities, especially, in the Northern part of the country.
“We believe the Nigerian Armed forces and other security agencies have the capacity to crush these criminals and their sponsors.
“This has been happening for years, and the government does not seem to have permanent solutions to it.
“Economic activities, particularly the agricultural sector, cannot thrive when bandits go about terrorising people. 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 on the syche 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 statement added.
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