By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has observed that ahead the 2023 general elections in the country, those that mismanaged the nation’s economy are using hunger as a weapon to canvass for votes of Nigerians.
The Christian body therefore, appealed to governments at all levels to address the problem of poverty and hunger in Nigeria to enable Nigerians use their conscience to elect future leaders.
This was contained in a communique signed by Rev. Yakubu Pam, Chairman, and Sunday Oibe, Secretary General at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC), meeting in Kaduna, presided over by the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Yakubu Pam, which deliberated on a wide range of issues affecting Christians in Northern Nigeria.
According to the communique, some of the issues deliberated include, the harsh economic situation in the country that has brought about mass poverty and hunger among millions of Nigeria, adding that the 2023 general elections, insecurity and the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The Christian Association of Nigeria, Northern Nigeria expressed deep worries over hunger and poverty in the land, stressing that the weak economy has thrown millions of Nigerians into abject poverty and hunger.
The meeting opined that life is becoming a living hell as people struggle to make ends meet, regretting that almost on a daily basis, prices of food and essential items are on the increase as many families can barely get one square meal in a day.
The meeting explained, “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 affect all spheres of life. It fuels criminality and crime; it affects education; it affects quality healthcare. Hunger affects citizens’ political choices.”
The communique called on governments at all levels to address the problem of poverty and hunger in Nigeria, lamenting that those who mismanaged the economy are using hunger as a weapon as the 2023 general election approaches to win election at the detriment of the larger population.
To ensure that the 2023 elections are conducted under a peaceful atmosphere without rancour, the Christian Association of Nigeria called on Nigerians to ensure orderliness before, during and after.
According to CAN, election is not war, no politician is worth dying for and no one should take the laws into his or her hands, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should ensure that the elections are free, fair and credible.
Northern CAN said it is deeply concerned about the prolonged strike by ASUU and 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, Northern CAN commended the 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.
The meeting hailed the release of the remaining 23 abducted victims of the March 28 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train and appealed to the security agencies to take urgent steps to free many people who are still being held captive by terrorists.
It noted that in some communities, bandits demand millions of naira from the villagers before they are allowed to access their farms and called on the federal government to take more drastic actions against the criminals.
