…Tackles groups opposed to relocation of CBN, FAAN offices to Lagos
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has lamented the impact of the prevailing harsh economy in the country, saying it’s becoming unbearable for the ordinary Nigerians.
The association in the 19 Northern states and the FCT Abuja made this concern known on Friday, noting that the increasing security challenges have also become a grave concern.
In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Elder Sunday Oibe, in Kaduna, the Northern CAN called on the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, step in and address the depressing economic and escalating security situation in the country.
It said the suffering in the country is becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians as the high cost of foodstuffs, transportation, goods, and services has made life difficult for many Nigerians.
The religious body argued that all these were being compounded by the escalating insecurity occasioned by rampant killings and kidnappings for ransom.
It said the Christian body was saddened by the continued attack on Plateau state, where no fewer than 300 people were killed recvently, while calling on the government to do everything possible to halt the killings not only in Plateau but across the country.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory wishes to express its deep concern over the prevailing economic hardship and the increasing security challenges across the country.
“The suffering in the country is becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians. The high cost of foodstuffs, transportation, goods, and services has made life difficult for many Nigerians.
“The epileptic power supply has led to the collapse of many small businesses.
“The continued decline in the value of the naira and the seeming inability of the government to address the situation have completely weakened the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
“The situation is further compounded by escalating insecurity occasioned by rampant killings and kidnappings for ransom.
“Unless justice is done, by ensuring that the perpetrators and the sponsors are brought to book, all the talks about peace may be mere rhetoric.
“The government must take urgent steps to address the depressing economic and escalating security situation in the country.
“We called on governments at all levels to support our security agencies with all that is required to fight these criminals.
“We also called on Nigerians to cooperate with security personnel and pray for them as they confront these enemies of the nation.”
The Northern CAN however blasted regional groups such as the Arewa Consultative Forum, the Northern Elders Forum, and some Northern Senators for opposing the government’s plan of relocating some departments in the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, from Abuja to Lagos.
“It is unfortunate that we introduce ethnic and regional sentiments in a harmless policy that is meant to streamline operations and make the agencies more effective and reduce cost,” the statement said.
