By Princess Simon Bureau Chief North Central in Minna
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger state chapter, has told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the only gift that will sooth the Nigerian masses at this moment is to show sympathy for the pains and agonies they've gone through in recent years by reducing pump price of fuel which will in turn force cost of food stuffs to drop.
“I call on President Bola Tinubu to make frantic efforts or to do all he can to stabilize the economy to reduce sufferings of citizens and ensure security of lives and properties especially in areas affected by spates of insecurity".
Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Dr. Yohanna Bulus Dauwa made the plea during inter-denomenational prayers to commemorate Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary, organised by Niger state chapter of the association which took place at State Secretariat Minna, over the weekend.
In a message titled, 'Nigeria shall rise again', Yohanna who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese said, “We look forward to drastic reduction in fuel price, food prices, decline inflation, strengthened currency and as well growth of external reserves”.
Presenting clear picture of what average Nigerians are going through on a daily basis in recent times, the Clergy man told President Tinubu that, “Majority of Nigerians are really suffering”.
As part of efforts to cushion the effects of hardship, Nigerians are looking forward to drastic reduction in the cost of fuel, food items, decline inflation, strengthening of the Nsira and for growing of Nigeria's external reserves.
While encouraging Nigerians not to lose hope, Bishop Yohanna argued that over the decades, Nigeria has experienced moments of triumph and moments of trials. Seasons of progress and so on. “Yet, through it all, we have endured, because Nigerians have endured, Nigeria shall rise again".
The Catholic Bishop also urged Nigerian leaders to do well by translating national policy reforms in practical terms that will involve life-improving benefits, job creation, infrastructure development, and well reduction in the cost of living for the ordinary Nigerians.
The CAN Chairman advising his fellow shepherds in the Lord's vineyard of the need to remain apolitical said, “As people of faith, we must not lose faith, continue to pray for Nigeria, our prayers must also produce action. Let our prayers make us better citizens in all spheres of life”.
"As the country prepares for 2027 general elections, I am appealing to church leaders to be non-partisan. I want to caution against turning Christian gatherings into platforms for political campaigns. As religious leaders let us promote peace and encourage responsible political participation”.
According to him, “Our prayer is simple but profound: there shall be a new Nigeria. This decree we all must make. We will see the Nation of our collective dreams. A great nation shall be born".
“I pray for a Nigeria where every child can dream, and has the opportunity to have that dream come to pass. A Nigeria where our diversity should not be a source of division, but of strength, where our shared humanity unites us and our common destiny inspires us all as Nigerians".
The CAN Chairman while congratulating Governor Umaru Bago and Nigerlites on Nigeria @ 66 anniversary, pleaded with him to remain determined and resolute in ensuring lives and properties are secured for the New Niger Agenda to be achieved.
In a remark, Governor Umaru Bago who was represented by Dr. Jonathan Wasa, urged Nigerlites to sustain their prayers for Nigeria, Niger state, and for leaders across all three tiers of government to lead with the fear of God. NNL
