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 continuous slide in the value of the naira has completely weakened the purchasing power of Nigerians amid skyrocketing inflation.”
“The planned mass protest against hunger and economic hardship by some young people in the country has generated so much reaction by various groups and individuals across Nigeria.
“It has also generated fear and apprehension among Nigerians. Those planning the protest hinged their reasons on hunger, poverty insecurity, and the prevailing harsh economic environment in the country, among several other problems.
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There is no denying the fact that life in Nigeria has become unbearable as a result of these problems.”
“Nigerians are indeed hungry, angry, and as resilient as they had always been, they are becoming hopeless about the state of the Nigerian nation”.
According to it, the August 1 protests indicate that things have gone bad. “Those in government must acknowledge the fact that in a democracy, citizens have the right to embark on peaceful protest over issues affecting their welfare.
Northern CAN notes the efforts of the government in addressing the myriads of problems facing the country.”
“However, such efforts have not brought about the desired succour to the people as the cost of living keeps rising amid security challenges. The government should stop cosmetic or temporary approaches to tackling the issues. It should provide pragmatic solutions that produce tangible and lasting relief. Since the removal of subsidy on petrol by President Bola Tinubu over a year ago, Nigerians have yet to enjoy its benefits.”
“Insecurity continues to remain undermined by the Nigerian state. Almost daily, bandits/terrorists unleash mayhem.
Mindless killings and kidnappings for ransom seemed to have become 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.”
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“We believe the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies can crush these criminals and their sponsors.
This has been happening for years, and the government does not seem to have permanent solutions to it.
Economic activities, particularly the agricultural sector, cannot thrive when bandits go about terrorising people.
Hunger has now become a unifying factor for the masses. The naira exchanged for about N1,600 to the dollar. the government must do something about this.
The idea of removing import duties and taxes on food importation does not make sense when our currency has depreciated to the lowest ebb.”
“Northern CAN is also worried about subtle attempts by some unscrupulous elements to introduce religious, ethnic and regional sentiments in the planned protest.
The issues at stake are not about tribe, religion, or region as hunger is not a respecter of any of that sentiment.
Those behind this dangerous path must desist from their evil plots.
In January 2012, President Bola Tinubu and many of those who are in power today, mobilised Nigerians to a protest tagged “Occupy Nigeria” to resist plans by former President Goodluck Jonathan to remove subsidy on petrol.”
“We advise politicians to be mindful of their actions and inactions as what goes around, comes around. We call on Christians to continue to pray fervently for the country.
“In the past eight years, corruption became an acceptable norm with thieving political officeholders flaunting their ill-gotten wealth in a flamboyant style amid mass poverty and deprivation.”
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CAN also warns officials of the administration against trying to induce and influence some religious and traditional leaders to stop the August 1 protests thus: “It is being speculated in certain quarters, the government should apologise for its ineptitude and failure to address challenges threatening the very foundation of the country and improve the living conditions of the people”, he advised.
