According to CAN, Nigerians live in economic hell.
Thursday, the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja stated that Nigerians were living in hell as a result of the All Progressives Congress administration’s failing economy.
According to the group, the failing economy has plunged millions of Nigerians into abject poverty and hunger, to the point where they can barely afford a whole meal every day.
All of these, according to the northern CAN, remain a recipe for “criminality and crime” that badly impacts education and healthcare quality.
As the general election of 2023 neared, the religious organization expressed worry that those who mismanaged the economy were using hunger as a weapon.
Against this backdrop, the northern CAN urged Nigerians to guarantee that the 2023 general election is held in a peaceful environment, saying that “election is not war” and that “no politician is worth dying for.”
This was stated in a communique issued at the conclusion of a two-day meeting of the northern CAN’s National Executive Council in Kaduna.
The communique was signed by the Chairman, Rev. Yakubu Pam, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, and the Secretary General, Elder Sunday Oibe. It was given to the news media on Thursday.
The communiqué stated, “On September 4-5, 2022, the NEC of CAN in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory met in Kaduna. Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, the Chairman of Northern CAN, presided over the gathering.
“A vast array of topics impacting Christians in the North and the state of the nation were discussed at the gathering. Among the topics discussed were the country’s severe economic state, which has caused widespread poverty and hunger among millions of Nigerians; the general election of 2023; insecurity; and the extended strike between the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Federal Government.
Our failing economy has plunged millions of Nigerians into abject poverty and starvation. As many fight to make ends meet, life is becoming a daily hell. Almost on a daily basis, the prices of food and other necessities rise. Many households cannot even afford a single meal per day.
There is no denying that poverty and hunger exist in the world. The reality on the ground is readily apparent to all. Poverty and hunger impact every aspect of life. It fosters delinquency and crime; impacts education and healthcare quality. Hunger influences the political decisions of citizens.
“As the 2023 presidential election approaches, those who have mismanaged the economy are already using hunger as a weapon. We demand that all levels of government in Nigeria address the issue of poverty and hunger.
“We call on Nigerians to guarantee that the 2023 elections be held in an atmosphere of peace and without animosity. Election is not conflict. There is no politician worth dying for. No one should attempt to circumvent the law. The Independent National Electoral Commission should guarantee free, fair, and credible elections.
“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari (retired) to ensure a smooth transition at the conclusion of his term in 2023. This will be the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
“Political actors must adhere to the norms of the game and play without malice. Party leaders, flag bearers, party members, supporters, and fans must conduct themselves with decency and focus their campaigns on how they intend to address the numerous difficulties facing the country. During their campaigns, they are barred from engaging in any act or behavior that could incite violence or violate the peace.
“Northern CAN also advises young people not to permit politicians to use them as weapons of violence. Note that the children of some of these politicians who employ teenagers as thugs are educated abroad. Parents should caution their children against being recruited as hooligans by politicians.”
In addition, northern CAN expressed grave worry over the protracted strike by ASUU, urging university lecturers and the FG to resolve their disputes for the sake of the nation and the children’s future.
This was done as an association hailed the valiant military and other security services for their continuous efforts to crush bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups wreaking havoc in Northern Nigeria.
“We are pleased with the liberation of the remaining 23 hostages from the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train on March 28,” the communiqué stated.
Join our 100,000+ members and never miss our members’ exclusive Breaking News and Entertainment Gist.
Gain Access to Our Private News Room
Popular Stories right now
- Nigeria’s digital quality declines as Internet costs fall.
- Ex-Google ad executive creates tracker-free search engine
- ASUU to sue FG over Registration of CONUA, NAMDA
