Nigerians Need Hope, Not Empty Promises — CAN Tells Tinubu, Leaders

By Paul Joseph

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Daniel Okoh, has called on President Bola Tinubu and leaders across the country to demonstrate genuine sacrifice and compassion as millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with worsening economic hardship.

Okoh made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja while congratulating Muslim faithful on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, urging leaders to reflect the true spirit of sacrifice associated with the festival.

According to him, many Nigerians are battling severe hardship daily, with rising hunger, unpaid school fees, struggling businesses, and growing frustration among citizens.

He stressed that the burden of sacrifice should not rest solely on ordinary Nigerians, noting that those in positions of authority must also make meaningful sacrifices for the wellbeing of the people.

The CAN president said leaders in government, politics, business, security agencies, and religious organisations must embrace honesty, restraint, compassion, and a stronger commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

Okoh warned that Nigerians have become weary of repeated assurances without visible improvements, insisting that the country now needs “hope they can see, not promises they no longer believe.”

He added that public confidence in leadership cannot be restored through speeches alone but through practical actions that directly address the suffering of the people.

The religious leader also cautioned Nigerians against allowing economic hardship and insecurity to fuel religious, ethnic, or regional divisions, emphasizing that the challenges facing the country affect citizens irrespective of tribe or faith.

He urged religious leaders across the country to continue preaching peace, moderation, unity, and reconciliation during the festive period.

Okoh further appealed to wealthy individuals, corporate organisations, and humanitarian groups to extend support to widows, orphans, displaced persons, and other vulnerable Nigerians during the Eid celebrations.

Despite the current difficulties, he expressed optimism that Nigeria can overcome its numerous challenges if leaders and citizens collectively embrace justice, compassion, and shared humanity.