The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja has expressed its concern over the prevailing harsh economy in the country, stating that the suffering was becoming unbearable to Nigerians.

Also, the association noted that of grave concern was the increasing security challenges the country is encountering.

Recall that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar lll-led Jama’atu Nasril Islam had also raised similar concerns earlier, urging both the federal and state governments to intervene in the current economic hardship which had forced Nigerians into protests.

In a recent statement released by its Secretary-General, Elder Sunday Oibe, in Kaduna, the Northern CAN urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, step in and tackle the depressing economic and escalating security situation in the country.

Part of the statement read: “The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory wishes to express its deep concern over the prevailing economic hardship and the increasing security challenges across the country.

“The suffering in the country is becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians. The high cost of foodstuffs, transportation, goods, and services has made life difficult for many Nigerians.

“The epileptic power supply has led to the collapse of many small businesses.

“The continued decline in the value of the naira and the seeming inability of the government to address the situation has completely weakened the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.

“The situation is further compounded by escalating insecurity occasioned by rampant killings and kidnapping for ransom.

“Unless justice is done, by ensuring that the perpetrators and whoever are the sponsors are brought to book, all the talks about peace may be mere rhetorics.

“Government must take urgent steps to address the depressing economic and escalating security situation in the country.

“We called on governments at all levels to support our security agencies with all that is required to fight these criminals.

“We also called on Nigerians to cooperate with security personnel and pray for them as they confront these enemies of the nation.”

The Northern CAN also slammed regional groups like the Arewa Consultative Forum, the Northern Elders Forum and some Northern Senators for opposing the government plan of moving some departments in the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, from Abuja to Lagos.

The association said: “It is unfortunate that we introduce ethnic and regional sentiments in a harmless policy that is meant to streamline operations and make the agencies more effective and reduce cost.”