CAN Laments Hunger, Mass Poverty Among Nigerians, Urges Tinubu to Find Lasting Solution

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently find a lasting solution to hunger and mass poverty among ordinary Nigerians.

In a communique issued after its quarterly meeting, which held in Kaduna between August 28 and 30, 2023, the Christian body said: “Life is becoming a living hell as prices of food, transportation and other essential commodities were beyond the reach of the poor masses as prices keep going up on a daily basis.”

The communique signed by Gilbert Jechonia,
the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the association, however commended the government for taking steps to cushion the effect of the removal of petrol subsidy by way of providing palliatives.

But it said the steps were cosmestic and may not be the lasting solution to the present economic predicament.

“There is mass poverty and hunger in the land, many Nigerians are barely struggling to make ends meet.

“Many businesses have collapsed as a result of the harsh economic situation in the country. Unemployment has pushed many young people into crime.

“It is our considered opinion that the provision of such palliatives is not a lasting solution to the hardship being faced by the masses.

“The government should take more concrete and realistic measures at addressing the problem than adopting this ad hoc strategy that will only end up enriching few individuals.

“The palliatives will end up in the pockets of some few individuals and their cronies as we have seen in Nasarawa State where some government officials in charge of the distribution of food stuffs were reported to have connived with some traders to divert the them,” the communiqué read.

The group commended security agencies for fighting insurgency and banditry, which it noted, had contributed to the destruction the economy.

The association however said: “It is not yet uhuru as the bandits continue to terrorise communities, especially in the north.

“Almost on a daily basis, these criminals attack communities, killing and abducting people.

“Many people cannot go to their farms for fear of being abducted or killed.”

The association called on the Federal Government not to relent in empowering and supporting security agencies to crush the criminals.

The communique urged President Tinubu and governors of the 36 states of the federation “to live up to the expectations of Nigerians, by ensuring that the economic and social problems bedevilling the country are addressed”.

It appealed to the president and governors to run all inclusive governments and ensure that development projects are distributed fairly to give every section of the country and sections of the states a sense of belonging.

The Christian body lamented the free fall of the naira to the dollar, saying it is a threat that the government must address for the good of the economy.

The association further lamented the continuous erosion of Christian moral and ethical values among the youths and called on parents to pay more attention to the upbringing of their children.