For years, Nigeria has been grappling with escalating issues, and the government's inability to provide lasting solutions has become glaringly apparent.
"Economic activities, especially in agriculture, are crippled by bandits terrorizing the populace. This ongoing instability has led to widespread hunger, uniting the masses in their suffering. Government officials need to be careful with their words and actions to avoid further aggravating people already burdened by hardship," the association stated.
Claims that protests are driven by opposition elements insult the intelligence of Nigerians enduring immense pain. The government's approach should be both sympathetic and apologetic. For too long, Nigerians have been "suffering and smiling" while those in power act as if the people don't matter.
The continuous decline in the naira's value has eroded purchasing power amid soaring inflation. With the naira trading at about N1,600 to the dollar, urgent government action is required.
"The idea of removing import duties and taxes on food imports makes no sense when our currency has plummeted to such lows," the association maintained.
There are also concerns about attempts to inject religious, ethnic, and regional sentiments into the planned protest. "Hunger knows no tribe, religion, or region," Oibe said, warning those with such intentions to desist.
The association recalled the "Occupy Nigeria" protests of January 2012, when current President Bola Tinubu and others mobilized against former President Goodluck Jonathan's plan to remove fuel subsidies. The economic situation today is worse than during Jonathan's era.
"Politicians should be mindful of their actions, as 'what goes around, comes around.' Over the past eight years, corruption has become normalized, with political office holders flaunting their ill-gotten wealth amidst mass poverty and deprivation. The masses have lost confidence in a government that seems to be regressing rather than progressing."
The religious body called on Christians to continue praying fervently for the country.
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