Christmas: Hayab Condemn Stampedes, Urges Government, Philanthropists to Treat Nigerians with Respect
http://www.newsportng.com.ng The immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State Chapter, and Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), Rev. Dr. Joseph John Hayab, has called on the government and charitable organizations to treat Nigerians with dignity and respect in all circumstances.
Rev. Hayab was reacting to the recent stampedes in Abuja, Osun, and Anambra states, which tragically claimed the lives of more than a hundred Nigerians. He expressed deep concern over the loss of lives for what he described as “cheap reasons.”
Speaking in Kaduna on Tuesday during an interaction with journalists, the Peace Ambassador lamented the widespread disrespect towards Nigerians, particularly by leaders and donor organizations. He stressed that this lack of respect continues to worsen the relationship between citizens and those in power.
He further emphasized that government interventions should not be limited to festive seasons but should be consistent throughout the year to avoid creating a desperate scramble for palliatives.
The Country Director urged the government at all levels to prioritize resolving insecurity issues that prevent Nigerians from farming and earning a living. He noted that insecurity has left many citizens dependent on sporadic charitable interventions.
“Government does not need to wait for festivals like Christmas and Sallah before helping citizens. Interventions should be continuous. If assistance is provided regularly—perhaps in January, March, May, July, September, and November—before festive periods, people would have enough. Only those truly in need would seek help.
“Our leaders must respect citizens. The root of this challenge lies in the way leaders speak to and treat the people. If leaders communicate with respect, those offering assistance would also treat citizens with dignity. Unfortunately, our citizens are often treated like beggars.
“Nobody in government is doing any citizen a favor. These officials were elected to serve, and they owe their positions to the people. They must reciprocate by showing respect. This culture of disrespect has led to situations where citizens are gathered like beggars, resulting in tragic stampedes.”
Rev. Hayab also highlighted the harsh realities Nigerians face, including poverty, insecurity, hunger, and skyrocketing market prices. He pointed out that these challenges force citizens to rely on any available help, often at great personal risk.
“When people face hunger, insecurity, and unbearable market prices, they rush to collect help because they have no other option. This situation is worsened when help is provided without respect or dignity. Assistance is common in countries worldwide, even in America, but it’s done with dignity.
“Disrespectful distribution of aid exacerbates the suffering. Many people can’t even buy basic items due to recent cash flow challenges. The desperation to get free rice or other goods is a symptom of deeper issues, including hunger, poverty, and economic mismanagement.”
Rev. Hayab called on the government to ensure that citizens are treated with respect and that aid distribution is organized in a dignified manner. He also emphasized the need to address the root causes of poverty and insecurity.
“The government must act urgently to restore orderliness. Nigerians need the opportunity to farm, earn a living, and reduce dependency on sporadic gifts. It’s tragic and unacceptable that people go to collect aid and never return home. This situation is sad and unfortunate.
“So, the challenge is back to the government. Whatever you do, do it urgently because citizens are dying of hunger.“
Christmas: Hayab
Christmas: Hayab Condemns Stampede, Urges Government, Philanthropists to Treat Nigerians with Respect
