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Christian Leaders in Nigeria Call for Stakeholder Dialogue to End Country’s Insecurity

President Muhammadu Buhari/Logo of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Credit: Courtesy Photo

Stemming security challenges in Nigeria will require an all-inclusive security dialogue with all stakeholders, Christian leaders in the West African country have said.

The Christian leaders under their umbrella body, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), lauded the cooperation between various agencies that led to the November 5 rescue of the staff members of the Federal University of Abuja who had been kidnapped from the facility.

They said that incidences of kidnapping of innocent Nigerians were becoming a day-to-day occurrence in some states and called for prompt action in dealing with the security situation of the country.

“On the need for prompt action by security agencies, CAN … wishes to advise the Federal, States and Local Government areas to immediately initiate an all-inclusive security dialogue with all stakeholders,” CAN officials say in their report that was circulated Monday, November 15.

In the report, the Christian leaders further challenge the security agencies to be quick in responding to the calls of distressed Nigerians and to also consider protecting properties of victims of attacks.

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They highlight other concerns in the country, including increase in prices of basic commodities, and appeal to Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure that the prices are not oppressive to ordinary citizens. 

The Christian leaders are particularly concerned that electricity tariffs and prices of cooking gas have consistently been on the rise in the West African nation. 

As for the country’s 2023 national polls, CAN officials call on eligible voters to start preparing for the elections by ensuring that they have the right documents ahead of the exercise.

“As the nation prepares for the electioneering campaigns towards the 2023 General Elections, CAN urges all Christians and citizens that are of age to, without delay, take advantage of INEC’s (Independent National Electoral Commission) revalidation of voters’ cards exercise and register to get their voters’ cards,” they say.

“Politicians should conduct themselves in a manner that will bring peace and unity, '' the Christian leaders say, and add, “Youths should not allow any selfish office-seeker to use them to cause violence before, during and after the politicking exercise.”

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The Christian leaders further advise Nigeria’s Federal Government to consider putting in place an integral administration that will ensure safe payment for the Nigerians returning home from overseas.

Expressing their disappointment concerning the challenges Nigerians go through in the process of returning home, the leaders say, “A situation where Nigerians are subjected to intimidation abroad because of the negligence of the duty of the officials is very embarrassing.”

“Also, the ugly practice by some government officials extorting money from citizens coming back home without remitting the same to government coffers must be checked,” CAN officials say in their report circulated November 15.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.