By Olusegun Olanrewaju
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed worry over the rising prices of cooking gas in households and warns that skyrocketing tariffs on electricity will worsen the plight of Nigerians.
The umbrella association of Christians in the country said the ballooning prices can also heighten insecurity in the country as the citizens “already have enough on their plate”.
As a panacea, CAN called on the government to initiate an “all-inclusive” security dialogue with stakeholders towards finding solutions to the security challenges. In a communiqué signed by its General-Secretary, Joseph Daramola, CAN request security agencies to respond quickly to distress calls from Nigerians.
It also commended the timely rescue of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) students who were alongside some of their family members at the staff quarters on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. The two professors, a non-academic staff, and three other abducted members by gunmen regained their freedom on November 5.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Josephine Adeh, said the arrest was made possible by a joint operation conducted by personnel of the police, army, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Speaking on the 2023 elections, CAN encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prepare their voters’ cards for elections.
It also expressed worry over the spate of extortion of returning Nigerians at the country’s airports and asked the Federal Government to provide an efficient payment scheme.
“The National Executive Council appreciates the recent efforts of the security agencies for the prompt action taken to rescue the staff members of the (Federal) University of Abuja who were recently kidnapped,” the communiqué reads.
“CAN challenges the security agencies to respond quickly to distress calls and protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. “It further calls on the Federal Government to do all it can to release the abducted innocent people in captivity unconditionally without further loss of lives.
“On the need for prompt action by security agencies, CAN also wish to advise the federal, states, and local government areas, to immediately initiate an all-inclusive security dialogue with all stakeholders. This will help towards finding a lasting solution to the security challenges.”
CAN said it acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians given the prevailing economic hardships and insecurities in the country and advised the Federal Government not to worsen the situation with increasing electricity tariffs, prices of cooking gas, “and merely allocating funds for maintenance of roads without corresponding visible impacts.”
The body noted: “As the nation prepares for the electioneering campaigns towards the 2023 general elections, CAN urges all Christians and citizens that are of age to, without delay, take advantage of INEC’s revalidation of voters’ cards exercise and register to get their voters’ cards.
“Politicians should conduct themselves in a manner that will bring peace and unity. Youths should not allow any selfish office-seeker to use them to cause violence before, during, and after the politicking exercise. “CAN advises the Federal Government to put in place a better administration of the QR Barcode reader payment required for returning to Nigeria from overseas.”
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It added, “A situation where Nigerians are subjected to intimidation abroad because of the negligence of the duty of the officials is very embarrassing. “Also, the ugly practice by some government officials extorting money from citizens coming back home without remitting the same to government coffers must be checked.”
