Economic Hardship: It’s time to identify Nigeria’s Joseph for solution – Hayab Tells FG
BY: AUSTINE AGBO EMMANUEL, KADUNA
http://www.newsportng.com.ng The immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Kaduna state chapter, Rev John Joseph Hayab has called on government at all levels to identify Nigeria’s Joseph that can proffer solution to the rising cost of living in the country.
Hayab made the call while addressing the Nigeria’s rising cost of living in a press statement on Saturday, said government needs wisdom to tackle the inflation rate ravaging the nation’s economy that has made life uneasy for many Nigerians.
Citing a Biblical example of Joseph, who proffer solution to the seven years of famine in Egypt, despite a Jewish slave and prisoner in a strange land, the cleric urged government to be humble enough, identify and approach people like Joseph with wisdom and good knowledge of the current economic realities regardless of their political affiliations.
“Biblically, it was during a trying time that King Pharaoh of Egypt got to know about Joseph, who was brought out of prison to offer a desirable solution to the impending drought that was to befall Egypt. Just like the Egypt of old, Nigeria is blessed with many people like Joseph with wisdom and good knowledge of how to tackle our current situation.
“Our leaders at the federal, state and local government levels should be humble enough to put aside politics and invite every good hand that can add value to our struggle to overcome the present economic downturn.” He said.
Rev. Hayab who is also the Country Director, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, (GPFN) expressed concern over the level of hardship posed on Nigerians by the current economic realities, meanwhile he appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary protest that may result to the breakdown of laws and order.
“Despite the hardship, Rev Hayab appeals to Nigerians to seek other ways such as peaceful public advocacy to register the grievances of the citizenry on the biting economic suffering in the country, noting that violence has never done any good in the history of man on the planet Earth.
“Accordingly, Nigerians should not allow anyone, group, or organization to instigate them to embark on street protests due to the high cost of living because some bad elements may hijack the protest to destroy the gains the nation must have made over the years compounding the current suffering and impacting the future.
“While it is correct that most Nigerians, if not all, in one way or the other, feel the impact of the present economic challenges heightened by insecurity and misery, Nigerians must at the same time be guarded in the way the predicament is handled, so that we do not cause grave setbacks for ourselves as a result.
“Any form of protest which destroys government buildings, establishments or any infrastructures, certainly, will do us no good. As a result, Nigerians need to join hands to rethink the best way out of the present dilemma. The reason is that due to the hunger and anger in the land, genuine protest can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens.
“Therefore, it was time for religious leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders, aged and young Nigerians, with the political class to be united in finding solutions through constructive advice on the way forward for our country and not allow ourselves to destroy the gains of democracy built over the years.
“Let us be reminded that poverty knows no ethnic group, faith, regional or political leanings that is why suffering affects all. As such, Nigerians need to come together to find solutions to the situation. Besides, the blame for the present economic challenges cannot simply be heaped on the present administration. Consequently, the current economic depression calls us to reflect deeply and honestly acknowledge where we got it wrong for us to create a better tomorrow for generations yet unborn to gain from our collective response.” He added.
