CAN Chairman Bulus Yohanna Urges President Tinubu to Confront Insecurity and Stabilize Nigeria’s Economy
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary, the call for urgent solutions to the country’s persistent challenges has grown louder. Leading that charge is Bulus Yohanna, the Chairman of the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese. Yohanna urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive actions that will bring relief to Nigerians facing mounting insecurity and surging food prices.
His passionate appeal came during his Independence Day message on Thursday, a speech that reflected both concern and hope. He called on Nigerians to remain prayerful and to continually seek God’s intervention as the nation struggles with economic hardship, inflation, and the threat of banditry that has destabilized lives in several communities.
A Call for Bold Leadership
Yohanna did not mince words in his appeal to the President. He demanded strong leadership that directly addresses the country’s pressing issues, noting that both insecurity and the rising cost of living have reached unbearable levels for millions of households. According to him, Nigerians deserve immediate policies and practical steps that will not only reassure citizens but also create tangible improvements in their daily lives.
“I want to join my voice with millions of Nigerians to call on our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to make frantic efforts to do all he can to stabilize the economy and ensure the security of lives and properties, especially in areas affected by banditry,” Yohanna stated.
His words resonated with many citizens who feel caught in the crossfire of inflation, unemployment, and a general sense of vulnerability caused by rising violence across different regions. Yohanna emphasized that the President’s plans must go beyond promises and rhetoric; they must deliver real results that touch homes, markets, and farmlands.
The Weight of Insecurity
Nigeria’s insecurity problem has become a recurring theme in national conversations, and Yohanna highlighted it as the foremost threat to peace and development. He described how banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping for ransom continue to devastate local communities, leaving families displaced and traumatized. Farmers have abandoned farmlands in many regions, worsening food shortages and driving prices to record highs.
The CAN leader’s message stressed that until citizens feel safe in their villages, towns, and cities, economic recovery will remain an uphill battle. Businesses cannot thrive in an environment where transport routes are unsafe and investors shy away due to insecurity. For Yohanna, securing lives and properties is the first step toward restoring confidence in the government.
The Burden of Rising Food Prices
Beyond insecurity, Yohanna placed significant focus on the skyrocketing cost of food. Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of Nigerians, making even basic foodstuffs increasingly unaffordable for ordinary families. He urged the government to act swiftly, pointing out that hunger creates frustration and despair, which in turn could breed more unrest.
“Mr President, as you plan to boost the economy of the country, we look forward to the increase in trade, falling food prices, declining inflation, a strengthened currency and growth of external reserves,” Yohanna declared.
By outlining specific expectations, Yohanna sent a clear message: Nigerians are watching closely and measuring the administration’s success not by words but by whether food becomes affordable, whether the naira regains strength, and whether inflation retreats to manageable levels.
Hope in the Midst of Challenges
Despite painting a vivid picture of hardship, Yohanna also expressed optimism. He reminded citizens that challenges, no matter how overwhelming, remain surmountable. He anchored this hope on faith in God, stating that light would eventually shine at the end of the tunnel.
“As a Body, CAN believes the challenges, even though enormous, are surmountable, and by the grace of God, there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” he noted.
This blend of realism and faith-filled assurance aimed to inspire Nigerians not to give up on the nation. His words reminded people that resilience, prayer, and collective responsibility can keep the country afloat while leadership addresses the structural issues.
Independence Day Reflections
The CAN Chairman tied his message to the symbolism of Independence Day, a time when Nigerians traditionally reflect on the nation’s journey since 1960. Yohanna congratulated Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State and citizens of the state, urging them to remain hopeful and prayerful. He insisted that beyond criticism, citizens must also express gratitude for God’s mercies that have kept Nigeria united despite decades of turbulence.
Independence anniversaries often carry mixed emotions—pride for the nation’s sovereignty, yet anxiety about the unfulfilled promises of democracy. Yohanna struck a balance by encouraging Nigerians to not only lament but also give thanks while working collectively for peace and prosperity.
An Appeal to Governor Bago
In his remarks, Yohanna extended his call for responsibility to Niger State’s leadership. He urged Governor Bago to stay committed to ensuring the safety of lives and livelihoods within the state. He reminded him that the New Niger Agenda, a blueprint for development, can only succeed in an atmosphere of peace.
The bishop’s words served both as encouragement and as gentle pressure, making it clear that state leaders must not rest until insecurity, poverty, and unemployment are significantly reduced. He stressed that Niger State, like many others, faces unique challenges, and its leaders must show resilience in tackling them.
The Role of Faith and Thanksgiving
Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of Yohanna’s message was his appeal to Christians across the country. He asked them not to dwell solely on negative developments but to also reflect on God’s continued faithfulness.
The bishop called on believers to celebrate the fact that Nigeria remains intact as one nation despite ethnic, religious, and political differences that could have torn it apart. By highlighting thanksgiving, Yohanna sought to rekindle a sense of national unity and shared destiny.
“Christians must not focus only on the negatives but must reflect on God’s mercies and favours. They must be thankful to Him for keeping the nation as one entity despite the challenges,” he urged.
Citizens’ Expectations from the Tinubu Administration
Nigerians have clear expectations from the Tinubu administration, and Yohanna articulated many of them. Citizens want:
Security of lives and properties – an urgent clampdown on banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings.
Affordable food prices – policies that stabilize agricultural production and distribution.
Declining inflation – through targeted monetary and fiscal policies.
A stronger naira – to restore citizens’ purchasing power.
Improved external reserves – boosting investor confidence and trade.
Inclusive growth – ensuring that economic reforms touch the lives of ordinary Nigerians, not just elites.
By placing these expectations front and center, Yohanna echoed the concerns of millions of households that continue to grapple with daily survival.
A Nation at the Crossroads
Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary comes at a time of both uncertainty and possibility. Citizens remain deeply concerned about the economy, but many also believe that with the right leadership, the nation could chart a new path. Yohanna’s message captured this duality: fear about the present, but cautious optimism about the future.
In many ways, his statement reflects the national mood—widespread frustration mixed with resilience and hope. The bishop’s call is a reminder that leaders must rise to the challenge, and citizens must remain engaged, prayerful, and committed to unity.
Building Collective Responsibility
While Yohanna directed his primary appeal to President Tinubu and state leaders, his message also underscored the role of ordinary Nigerians. He emphasized that the people themselves must contribute to peace by avoiding violence, promoting unity, and showing gratitude for the progress that has been made.
Yohanna urged religious bodies, community leaders, and civil society groups to take active roles in promoting peace, healing divisions, and addressing grievances through dialogue. He emphasized that development requires collective support, not just government action. According to him, true leadership may begin with those in authority, but it can only succeed when ordinary citizens also take responsibility, contribute positively, and work together toward unity and progress. He insisted that building a stronger, peaceful nation depends on everyone’s active participation and shared commitment.
Faith, Action, and Unity
Bulus Yohanna’s Independence Day message carried weight not only because of his position but also because of the timing. As Nigerians reflect on 65 years of nationhood, his words serve as both a warning and a beacon of hope. He challenged President Tinubu to act swiftly on insecurity and economic reforms. He appealed to Governor Bago to remain resolute in ensuring peace and prosperity in Niger State. He called on Christians to embrace thanksgiving while remaining prayerful for divine intervention.
Ultimately, his message boils down to three pillars: faith, action, and unity. Faith in God to provide strength, action from leaders to deliver real results, and unity among citizens to hold the nation together despite challenges.
At 65 years, Nigeria’s nationhood remains a work in progress, with many challenges still shaping its path. Yet, voices like Yohanna’s continue to inspire hope, reminding citizens that with courage, steadfast prayer, unity, and determination, the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and stronger country is achievable. Despite the difficulties, the dream of a united Nigeria endures, calling each generation to believe, act, and contribute toward building a better future together.