The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has declared that the suffering, hardship, hunger, frustration, and anger in Nigeria are evident even to the blind.
The CCN stressed that “it is clear we did not arrive at this point overnight. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has seemingly progressed in reverse, as aspirations for a better life for citizens have remained elusive.”
The Council, through its President and Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Province, Most Rev. David Onuoha, lamented that “corruption, selfishness, and greed have increasingly characterized the administration and management of the country’s vast resources.”
According to the CCN, “Protests are legitimate means for citizens to express their frustrations and disappointments regarding the state of affairs in the country. The overall aim is to draw the government’s attention to these issues with the hope of securing a review of its policies and programs to alleviate the people’s burdens.”
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“However, the severe security challenges currently facing the country may create opportunities for those who wish to exploit the situation and cause further harm,” it observed.
The CCN added, “Having sufficiently highlighted the reality of pain, suffering, and hunger in the land, I call on the organizers to consider postponing the protest for now.”
“Unlike Kenya, where the government began making reforms only after significant destruction, the current leadership should focus on addressing the demands already made public by the protest organizers.
This approach will demonstrate its commitment to the citizens’ welfare and well-being. It requires wisdom, tact, sincerity, forthrightness, and maturity for the Nigerian government to handle this situation,” it added.
The CCN demanded that the government must outline its action plan for addressing the immediate, short-term, and long-term alleviation of the people’s suffering.
“More importantly, government officials must not live and speak as though they are detached from Nigerian society. Their lifestyle must reflect the realities of the time,” it stated.
According to the CCN, “This way, the common man will trust them when they advocate for patience. The government should do everything it can to persuade our youths to suspend the protest.”
