As Nigerians mark Palm Sunday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a call to action to the country's leaders, urging them to adopt a more empathetic approach to governance. The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made this appeal in a statement issued in Abuja, drawing parallels between the biblical narrative of Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem and the current economic hardships faced by citizens.
Effective leadership, according to Okoh, is not about outward displays of power but rather about quiet resolve and a focus on the common good. He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of the people and adopt a modest lifestyle, rather than seeking to accumulate wealth and power. This, he argued, is essential for mitigating the severe economic hardships currently being experienced by Nigerians.
Okoh also highlighted the impact of global geopolitical tensions on the country's economy, citing the ongoing instability involving Iran, Israel, and the United States as a major factor in the disruption of global energy markets. This, in turn, has led to hiked fuel prices, exorbitant transportation fares, and a surge in food inflation affecting every household.
The CAN president challenged the Church and faith-based communities to serve as pillars of hope and steady sources of light during these trying times. He also reached out to the youth and those most vulnerable to the economic downturn, encouraging them to persevere and stand for peace, unity, and mutual support.
The words of Archbishop Daniel Okoh serve as a stark reminder of the disconnect between the country's leaders and the people they are supposed to serve. As Nigerians struggle to make ends meet, the CAN president's call for empathy and humility in governance is a timely one. The fact that the country's leaders are more focused on accumulating wealth and power than on the welfare of the people is a stark indictment of the current state of affairs. The impact of global geopolitical tensions on the country's economy is undeniable, but it is the failure of the government to provide adequate relief to the people that is truly alarming. The Church and faith-based communities have a critical role to play in providing hope and support to those affected, but ultimately, it is the responsibility of the government to take concrete steps to address the economic hardships facing the country.
