The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states has issued a statement advising government officials to avoid making provocative comments amidst growing agitation from some youths planning protests due to the current hardships experienced by Nigerians.Â
These hardships are primarily attributed to the removal of the fuel subsidy and the resulting inflation.
In a statement titled “Protest Against Hardship,” issued by the Northern CAN and signed by its Secretary, Sunday Oibe, the association highlighted the severity of the situation.
The statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Saturday emphasised that the planned protests are a clear indication that Nigerians are both hungry and angry, with a growing sense of hopelessness about the state of the nation.
“Northern CAN is deeply worried about the situation of things in the country,” the statement read.
“The planned protest is an indication that things have gone really bad. Those in government must acknowledge the fact that in a democracy, citizens have the right to embark on a peaceful protest over issues affecting their welfare.”
While recognizing the government’s efforts to address the myriad of problems facing the country, Northern CAN pointed out that these efforts have not yielded the desired relief for the people, as the cost of living continues to rise amid ongoing security challenges.
The statement called for the government to move beyond cosmetic or temporary solutions and instead implement pragmatic measures that provide tangible and lasting relief.
 It noted that since the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu over a year ago, Nigerians have yet to see any benefits from this policy change.
“Insecurity continues to remain a major issue in Nigeria.
“Almost on a daily basis, bandits and terrorists unleash mayhem. Mindless killings and kidnappings for ransom have become almost acceptable norms. Many communities, especially in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger states, have been displaced by bandits. The government must muster the political will to stop these marauding criminals that have destroyed socio-economic activities in communities, especially in the Northern part of the country,” the statement continued.
Northern CAN expressed confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, stating that they have the capacity to crush these criminals and their sponsors.
However, it lamented that despite these capabilities, the government does not seem to have permanent solutions to these issues.
“Economic activities, particularly in the agricultural sector, cannot thrive when bandits go about terrorizing people,” the statement said. “Hunger has now become a unifying factor for the masses. Government officials must be mindful of their utterances and actions to avoid provoking people who are groaning under hardship.”
The statement also addressed rumors that the protests are being promoted by opposition elements, calling such insinuations an insult to Nigerians who are enduring significant pain.
 Northern CAN urged the government to adopt a sympathetic and apologetic approach in handling the situation.
“Nigerians are resilient people.
They have been ‘suffering and smiling’ for too long while those in power behave as if the people don’t matter.” the statement concluded.
