The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Government of using hunger and poverty as weapons against Nigerians, on the heels of conducting 2023 General elections.
Northern leaders of CAN made the accusation against the Government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that the economic poverty in the country would have direct influence on the voting patern of the pupperised electorates, Next year.
Besides, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, met on September 4-5, 2022, in Kaduna, and the meeting was presided over by the Chairman of Northern CAN, Reverned Yakubu Pam.
In a communique jointly signed by the Chairman, Pam and the Secretary General, Elder Sunday Oibe, it States that “already those who mismanaged the economy are using hunger and poverty as weapons, as 2023 approaches”.
“The meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues affecting Christians in the north and the state of the nation. Some of the issues deliberated upon include the harsh economic situation in the country which has brought about mass poverty and hunger among millions of Nigeria; the 2023 general elections; insecurity; and the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government”.
According to Pam, “Our weak economy has thrown millions of Nigerians into abject poverty and hunger”, saying that “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”.
He said: “Hunger affects citizens political choices. Already those who mismanaged the economy are using hunger as a weapon as the 2023 general election approaches . We call on governments at all levels to address the problem of poverty and hunger in Nigeria.”
He remarked: “We call on Nigerians to ensure that the 2023 elections are conducted under peaceful atmosphere without rancour. Election is not war. No politician is worth dying. 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 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 bedeviling 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 called 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, Pam said: “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 called on the federal government to take more drastic action against the criminals.”
