The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday urged Nigerians not to despair over the effects of the economic reforms undertaken by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

This was as it urged the President to “continue on the path” he has taken since assuming office nearly eight months ago, pledging its support for the regime.

“We see the effort he is making towards securing this nation. So we ask Nigerians… who seem to have lost hope to not lose hope, but to have patience and persevere,” the CAN President, Daniel Okoh, told State House Correspondents after the audience with the President at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Monday’s meeting is the association’s first encounter with Tinubu since he was sworn in on May 29, 2023.

CAN harshly criticised Tinubu’s predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing the previous regime of poorly handling the episodes of killings and attacks on churches and communities in the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest and the Middle Belt.

Of particular note was the killing of over 40 worshipers at the St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022.

The Christian body had knocked Buhari, calling for an end to what it called the recycling of criminals and terrorists in the name of a de-radicalision programme.

It also criticised Tinubu, then candidate of the All Progressives Congress, for championing a Muslim-Muslim ticket, which it said potentially marginalised Christian interest.

But emerging from closed-door talks with the President on Monday, the CAN leadership described the administration as “inclusive” saying it had observed the composition of appointments he had made so far.

“Sincerely, what we found out is that the President is actually sensitive to all the challenges that we have. He’s aware, and we see him making very positive steps, even from the beginning of his administration.

“By the way he has made appointments so far, he has come with a great sense of inclusiveness. And Nigerians have a sense of belonging.

“I tell you that his pronouncements so far and his body language have increased the confidence of Nigerians and we believe that, given the chance, he will do a lot more. We are praying that the Lord will strengthen his hand to be able to do more and turn around the fortunes of this country.”

Okoh called for understanding from Nigerians, arguing that the challenge rocking the country predates the nascent administration.
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