By Aluta News
Feb. 20, 2023
As Nigerians grapple with the teething challenges of the cashless policy, Rev Yakubu Pam has called for patience, urging religious leaders to spread that message to the faithful.
Pam, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that the policy had lots of gains that could be reaped when the initial hiccups are endured.
“I want to appeal to Nigerians to be patient and reap the doles of the Naira Redesign/ Cashless Policy of the Federal Government.
“I also urge religious and traditional leaders to caution followers against violent protests,” he said.
NAN reports that pockets of violence have trailed the implementation of the policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
But Pam, while reacting to the protest, said that President Muhammadu Buhari was determined to address some major national challenges before the end of his administration.
“This is a moment when every good Nigerian, every stakeholder, be it religious leaders or traditional rulers, and everyone who loves this country, must come out and speak to Nigerians. We must crave patience and understanding.
“I believe we should lend our voices to speak to Nigerians to be patient with the policy of the CBN on the aspect of the new notes. Clearly, the advantages are enormous.
“Knowing that we are passing through transition of power from government to another, the government in power must have witnessed a lot and want to deliver solutions to challenges like insecurity and corruption that have been bedeviling the country,’’ he said.
Pam acknowledged the pains Nigerians were going through, but argued that it was important for all citizen to rally round the President for the general good of the country.
He said that Nigerians should be confident that things will get better, saying that the hand of God was upon the country and that history had shown that God loves the country and would assist in the hard times.
“At this moment, we should put our hands on deck instead of playing blame games. We should encourage nationhood spirit and ensure a smooth transition from one administration to another.
“If we don’t do that, we will be giving room to those who do not want democracy to continue; we will give room to people who want lawlessness and destruction of property here and there.
“I believe that is not what we are looking for; people may not be happy with one or two policies of this administration, but we should be patient and encourage the President so that we will have a smooth transition,’’ he said. (NAN)