The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has urged the Federal Government to reduce the cost of food, transportation and energy as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary. In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN also called for stronger social protection and improved security, saying Nigerians who have endured years of hardship deserve meaningful relief.
CAN welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration that Nigeria has entered an era of prosperity. But it said the success of the reforms must be felt by ordinary Nigerians through affordable food, decent jobs, better security and improved living conditions. It also urged the government to support education, healthcare and affordable credit.
Meanwhile, the Borno State CAN Chairman, Most Reverend John Bakeni, said religious leaders are also partly responsible for Nigeria’s challenges. Speaking in Maiduguri, he accused some religious leaders of abandoning their moral duties for political interests. Bakeni urged pastors and imams to speak truth to power and called on the government to tackle poverty and insecurity.
On the 2027 elections, Bakeni urged Nigerians to use their Permanent Voter Cards to elect leaders based on their own assessment of the candidates. He said citizens should choose leaders capable of delivering the dividends of democracy.
