Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has said the country’s weak economy under the present administration has thrown millions of Nigerians into abject poverty and hunger.
The Christian body warned that if nothing was done to change the narrative, the situation could influence the voting pattern in the 2023 general elections.
In a communiqué signed by Rev. Yakubu Pam (chairman) and Elder Sunday Oibe (secretary-general) at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of CAN, held in Kaduna on October 4-5, 2022, said the mismanaged economy was being used as a weapon preparatory towards the 2023 general elections.
The communiqué reads in parts; “Hunger and poverty in the land: Our weak economy has thrown millions of Nigerians into abject poverty and hunger. Life is becoming a living hell as people struggle to make ends meet. Almost on a daily basis, prices of food and essential items are on the increase. Many families can barely get one square meal in a day. There is no denying the fact that there is poverty and hunger in the land.
“The reality on the ground is evident for all to see. Poverty and hunger affects all spheres of life. It fuels criminality and crime; it affects education; it affects quality healthcare. Hunger affects citizens’ political choices. Already those who mismanaged the economy are using hunger as a weapon as the 2023 general election approaches”.
Northern CAN therefore calls on governments at all levels to address the problem of poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
On the general elections, CAN also called on Nigerians to ensure that the 2023 elections were conducted under a peaceful atmosphere without rancour, stressing that election is not war and that no politician is worth dying for.
“No one should take the laws into his or her hands. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should ensure that the elections are free, fair and credible.
“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure a peaceful transition at the end of his tenure in 2023. That is the enduring legacy he will leave behind.
“Political actors must play politics according to the rules of the game, devoid of rancour. Party leaders, flag bearers, party members, supporters and fans must conduct themselves with decorum and focus their campaigns on how they intend to address the myriads of problems bedevilling the country. They must not engage in any act or conduct that can incite violence or constitute a breach of the peace anywhere during their campaigns.
“Northern CAN also wish to call on the youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence by any politician. Note that the children of some of these politicians who recruit the youths as thugs, are schooling abroad. Parents should caution their children against being recruited as Hooligans by politicians.
“Northern CAN is deeply concerned about the prolonged strike by ASUU. We call on the university teachers and the federal government to resolve their differences in the best interest of the nation and the future of our children.”
On insecurity, Northern CAN commends our gallant military and other security agencies for the ongoing efforts to crush bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements unleashing mayhem on Nigerians, especially, in the North.
“We are happy with the release of the remaining 23 abducted victims of the March 28 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train. We wish to appeal to the security agencies to take urgent steps to free many people who are still being held captive by terrorists.
“In some communities, bandits demand for millions of naira from the villagers before they are allowed to access their farms. We call on the federal government to take more drastic action against the criminals,” CAN said.
