ABUJA – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on political leaders to embrace empathy and humility in governance, urging them to take deliberate steps to ease the economic burden on Nigerians.
CAN President, Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja to mark Palm Sunday, drawing lessons from the symbolic entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
Okoh said that effective leadership is often defined by quiet resolve, rather than the outward display of power, stressing the need for those in authority to prioritise the welfare of citizens and adopt modest lifestyles in the face of widespread hardship.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, he noted that Christ’s choice to ride on a colt instead of a symbol of worldly might offers a timeless example of humility in leadership.
“True leadership is not always loud. It is seen in restraint, in empathy, and in a steady focus on the common good.
It is reflected in decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together,” he said.
The CAN president added that amid prevailing uncertainty, Nigerians require stability and reassurance that their leaders understand and are responsive to their daily struggles.
Okoh also linked the rising cost of living to global geopolitical tensions, particularly the instability involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, noting that disruptions in global energy markets have adversely affected the domestic economy.
He said the impact is evident in rising fuel prices, increased transportation costs, and persistent food inflation across the country.
The cleric further urged the Church and faith-based organisations to remain pillars of hope and sources of encouragement during the challenging period.
He also appealed to young people and vulnerable groups to remain steadfast, assuring that the current difficulties do not define the nation’s future.
“We must stand for peace; we must strengthen unity; we must support one another.
In a season that can easily tilt towards tension, we must remain a steady source of light and hope,” he said.
