The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which has supported the nation’s people during these trying times of economic hardship and widespread hunger, has cautioned the youth to learn from experiences in Pakistan, Kenya and the country’s recent history in the #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests.
CAN, in a statement by its president, Archbishop Daniel Oko, reacted to plans for nationwide protests against the rising cost of living.
The youth wing of CAN also backed down from its planned action in a statement read by its Chairman, Belsochukwu Enwere, after the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
“We recognise and deeply empathise with the pain, anger and frustration experienced by many Nigerians. Their cries highlight the severe hardships families face daily, unable to afford basic necessities and struggling to make ends meet,” Okoh said.
“As we move through this period of crisis, it is essential that we uphold the constitutional right of all Nigerians to peacefully protest and air their grievances. The right to assemble and air grievances is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful instrument of civic participation, allowing citizens to air their concerns and hold their leaders to account. However, anxiety associated with the impending protests is growing, especially given the experience of instability in countries such as Kenya and Pakistan.
“We must also learn from recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents of thugs hijacking the process, resulting in widespread rioting, destruction of property and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.”
“In light of the protests scheduled for August 1, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative avenues to air their grievances. We recommend granting the government further time to address these pressing issues. This period should be utilised to explore other legal avenues that do not give opportunity to hoodlums to hijack this operation to destroy national assets and endanger lives and property. Dialogues, petitions and town hall meetings are viable options that will yield positive outcomes without the risk of chaos.
“We call on the government to accelerate efforts to reduce the cost of governance and alleviate hardships in the country. The lavish lifestyles of politicians must be addressed to demonstrate the government’s sincerity in improving the living conditions of its people. Similarly, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to needy families.”
“Furthermore, concrete steps must be taken to end the kidnapping, banditry and mass killings that have plagued different parts of our country. The safety and well-being of all Nigerians must be given top priority and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.”
“We also urge the government to accelerate efforts to alleviate hardship in the country. More sophisticated and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic problems we face are urgently needed. The government must deepen consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to solving the problems. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.”
“In these challenging times, let us remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:9). As we strive to bring about positive change, let us work in a spirit of peace, love and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another and work collectively towards a better Nigeria.”
“We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our people, and God’s intervention to help us get through these difficult times.
“May God bless Nigeria and give us the peace and prosperity we so desperately need.”
The YOWICAN Chairman, while appreciating the success achieved so far by security agencies in tackling security challenges in the country, said the Nigerian Electoral Commission wholeheartedly condemns the continued insecurity challenges in the country, including serial killings across the country, particularly the recent multiple bomb attacks in Borno State which left about 18 people dead.
“We also call for the immediate release of Pastor Paul Musa and his wife who have been abducted since March 2023, the Director of Ecumenism and his daughter who were abducted in Gusau Zamfara State and others who were abducted elsewhere and are still in the hands of their abductors,” Enwere said.
“The NEC wishes to categorically state that it will not be involved in any form of forthcoming protests organised by unknown individuals across the country to complain of hardships and bad governance. We are hopeful that with the steps that have been taken by government so far and the unrelenting support and cooperation of all Nigerians, we will overcome this difficult period. The NEC is resolved to remain in prayer and constantly engaged with the government until the country sees a turnaround.”
“The NEC calls on all Christian youth to confront the current economic challenges in the country by engaging in vocational training and skills acquisition to become self-reliant.
“The NEC calls on government to continue engaging the youth and create more opportunities for them to be involved in nation building. The NEC calls on Christian youth in the country to commit themselves to Christ and fellowship at local and state levels and pray for an all-round turnaround in the nation’s economy.”
YOWICAN acknowledged that the swift passage of the 70,000 Naira minimum wage bill by the National Assembly, the granting of autonomy to local governments and the implementation of the Student Loan Fund are notable achievements of President Bola Tinubu.
“The NEC calls on the President to ensure effective and efficient implementation, monitoring and sustainability of these reforms,” Enwere said.
“The NEC still wishes to draw the attention of the President to the persistent hardships in the country where over two million Nigerians are experiencing unprecedented levels of hunger and suffering due to the constantly rising cost of living in Nigeria and our members are no exception. We plead with the President to address the unchecked daily rise in food prices.”
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