Independence: CAN Chairman tells Tinubu to urgently cut fuel, food prices

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently tackle the economic hardship in the country by reducing fuel and food prices and strengthening the naira.

Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, made the call at an interdenominational prayer organised by CAN in Minna to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He said the federal government must ensure that its economic reforms translate into tangible relief for ordinary Nigerians, many of whom, he said, were struggling with the rising cost of living.

“I call on President Bola Tinubu to make frantic efforts to do all he can to stabilise the economy and ensure the security of lives and property, especially in areas affected by insecurity.”

“We look forward to the drastic reduction in fuel price, food prices, decline in inflation, a strengthened currency and growing of external reserves,” Yohanna stated.

The CAN chairman said Nigeria had survived several difficult periods since independence, urging leaders and citizens not to lose hope despite the current challenges.

According to him, “Over the decades, as a nation, Nigeria has experienced moments of triumph and moments of trial, seasons of progress and so on. Yet, through it all, we have endured.

“And because Nigeria has endured, Nigeria shall rise again.”

Yohanna challenged government at all levels to ensure that policies and reforms produce visible improvements in the lives of citizens, including employment opportunities, infrastructure and lower living costs.

He said the challenges facing the country were enormous but could be overcome through purposeful leadership and collective action.

“As people of faith, we must continue to pray for Nigeria, but our prayers must also produce action. Let our prayers make us better citizens in all spheres of life,” he said.

On the 2027 general elections, the CAN chairman urged churches and Christian leaders to remain non-partisan and resist the use of religious gatherings for political campaigns.

“I want to caution against turning Christian gatherings into platforms for political campaigning. As religious leaders, we should promote peace and encourage responsible participation,” he said.

Yohanna expressed hope for a Nigeria where citizens would have opportunities to fulfil their aspirations and where the country’s diversity would become a source of strength rather than division.

“There shall be a new Nigeria. This decree we all must make. We will see the nation of our dream. A great nation shall be born,” he said.

He also congratulated Governor Umaru Bago and the people of Niger State on the 66th Independence Anniversary, urging the governor to remain focused on protecting lives and livelihoods and delivering the objectives of the New Niger Agenda.

Representing the governor at the event, Jonathan Wasa urged Nigerlites to continue praying for Nigeria, Niger State and leaders at all levels.

Wasa said Nigerians should remain grateful for the unity in diversity that had sustained the country despite its challenges, expressing optimism for a better and more prosperous Niger State and Nigeria.