The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a stern call for the federal government to apologize to Nigerians. The religious body asserts that the government’s inability to tackle pressing challenges threatens the very foundation of the country.

In a statement released on Saturday in Kaduna, Elder Sunday Oibe, Secretary General of Northern CAN, emphasized the urgency of addressing the prevailing issues. The planned mass protest against hunger, poverty, insecurity, and the harsh economic environment has garnered widespread attention across the nation. Nigerians are grappling with rising costs of living, insecurity, and a deteriorating quality of life.

“Life in Nigeria has become unbearable,” Oibe stated. “Nigerians are indeed hungry, angry, and as resilient as they had always been, but they are becoming hopeless about the state of the Nigerian nation.” The religious body expressed deep concern about the deteriorating situation and the planned protest, which they view as a clear sign that things have gone terribly wrong.

While acknowledging the government’s efforts, Northern CAN called for pragmatic solutions that yield tangible and lasting relief. The removal of petrol subsidies over a year ago has not translated into benefits for ordinary citizens. Insecurity remains rampant, with bandits and terrorists wreaking havoc almost daily. Communities in states like Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger have been displaced by violence.

The religious body urged the government to move beyond cosmetic measures and address the root causes of these challenges. Citizens’ right to peaceful protest must be respected, and lasting solutions are imperative. As Nigerians grapple with hardship, CAN calls on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action and steer the nation toward recovery.

In the face of mounting discontent, the government’s response will be closely scrutinized. The call for an apology underscores the urgency of addressing the security and economic crises that threaten Nigeria’s stability.