Tag: CAN

Plateau Attacks: Criminal activities, major setbacks to development in any society – CAN Chairman

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), in Plateau, have called for an end to incessant attacks and other criminal activities in the state.

The organisations made the call in separate interviews with the Newsmen on Wednesday in Jos.

Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, Chairman of CAN in Plateau, said criminal activities were major setbacks to development in any society.

He urged Nigerians particularly in Plateau to work in collaboration with the government to end the menace.

“I pray that this year 2022 things will be better for us as Christians and every Nigerian. The relative peace in Plateau should be sustained and the government should ensure that perpetrators of crime are brought to book,” he said.

Lubo emphasised the need for Nigerians to imbibe peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in 2022.

He urged miscreants in the state to repent and put the interests of Plateau above personal consideration.

“Let us think Plateau and act Plateau. I wish Plateau people a wonderful year with peace, progress and development,” he added.

The CAN official urged Nigerians not to sell their soul for “peanuts” as the country prepares for its general elections, urging the people to elect only those that would facilitate development in the country.

“Nobody should waste their life for anybody. I call on Christians to get their voter cards because that is their power of change for good in the state and the country,” he said.

Similarly, the leader of FOMWAN in Plateau, Mrs. Muhibba Abdulrazak,
prayed for peace and stability in the country in 2022.

She urged Nigerian leaders to be selfless in their dealings and lead with the fear of God.

Abdulrazak also prayed for God’s guidance, protection and blessings for Nigerians in the new year.

January 5, 2022
Nigerian politicians no longer interested in solving security challenges, their attention focused on 2023 polls – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Nigerians to pray for God’s mercy in 2022.

In a New Year message signed on Friday by CAN President Samson Ayokunle, the group said Nigerians irrespective of their religious affiliations should “cry for the mercy of God” that can preserve the nation and bring an end to all insecurity.

“I call on all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliations, to rise up and cry for the mercy of God that can preserve us and bring an end to all these pains. It appears as if our governments have got to their wit end over the menace of insecurity. Their major focus now is on the 2023 general election. Can the 2023 election happen if the nation is overrun by criminals? Our nation must survive first and be at peace before an election can take place.

“Except for the mercy of God to intervene divinely and miraculously, we would be like Sodom and Gomorrah. It is only God who can make the 2023 general election a reality. It is only God in his own way who can teach our leaders the right step to take. It is only God who can send us help from above. Because of the desperate situation, we are in, some governors are already calling for self-defence and declaration of the state of emergency! This is unprecedented,” the statement read in part.

Looking back to the activities of 2021, Ayokunle said, “Glory be to our God who helps us to escape all dangers and threats of the Year 2021 occasioned by the criminal activities of the bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other unscrupulous elements amidst us.”

“2021 was one year too many as a result of the ways and manners these criminals have been operating with impunity as if this is not the country, we have been all these years. It is as if they have taken over the country. They invade communities, markets, churches, and schools. They kill, maim, destroy, and kidnap without much resistance or hindrance.

“They have turned our roads into death traps where they now kidnap for money, apparently due to the poor conditions of our roads and suddenly kidnapping has become a big business as the innocent people are being kidnapped and ransom in millions are being demanded and paid.

“Families of kidnapped people are at the mercy of the criminals! Some were not even fortunate as they were killed after the ransom has been paid! Our security agencies have been overstretched and the best done by our government is far from being enough if we must say the truth without deceiving ourselves. The Police have been parading the arrested kidnappers on the television but surprisingly, it appears as if they are too busy with their investigations to prosecute them!,” the CAN President lamented.

He stressed further that the call for help from the developed world and the United Nations over rising insecurity got little attention as “they seem to be more occupied and busier with COVID-19 than pay attention to the daily destruction of lives going on in Nigeria.”

He called on denominational and church leaders to use the opportunity of the New Year Fasting and Prayers programme of churches to rescue Nigeria from those who are hell-bent on destroying it by deliberately praying for the mercy of God over our unfortunate situation.

“For the Lord, our God is a merciful God. He will not leave us or allow these heartless criminals to destroy us. We serve a God who is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

“It was in His mercy that He rescued the family of Noah against the Great Flood; He delivered Lot and his family in Sodom and Gomorrah shortly before the destruction of those cities. By his mercy, he delivered Israel from Egyptian captivity without Israel fighting any battle. The list of God’s merciful intervention in human affairs is endless. That same God will surely have mercy on our country in Jesus’ name,” he said.

January 1, 2022
2021: Criminals operated with impunity – CAN laments

…says we thank God for escaping this notorious year

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has lamented the rate at which criminals operated with impunity in the country in 2021.

CAN disclosed this in a New Year message signed by its President, Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle, who thanked God for helping Nigerians to escape the dangers and threats of the year.

In the message titled ‘The New Year Message: Pray for God’s Mercy Over Nigeria’, Ayokunle stressed the dangers and threats of 2021 was exacerbated by the criminal activities of bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other unscrupulous elements.

“It gladdens my heart to say a resounding HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022 to all Nigerians irrespective of their religious, tribal and political persuasions.

“Glory be to our God who helps us to escape all dangers and threats of the Year 2021 occasioned by the criminal activities of the bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other unscrupulous elements amidst us.

“2021 was one year too many as a result of the ways and manners these criminals have been operating with impunity as if this is not the country we have been all these years.

“It is as if they have taken over the country. They invade communities, markets, churches and schools. They kill, maim, destroy and kidnap without much resistance or hindrance.

“They have turned our roads into death traps where they now kidnap for money, apparently due to the poor conditions of our roads.

“All of a sudden, kidnapping has become a big business as the innocent people are being kidnapped and ransoms in millions are being demanded and paid.

“Families of kidnapped people are at the mercy of the criminals! Some were not even fortunate as they were killed after the ransom has been paid!

“Our security agencies have been overstretched and the best done by our government is far from being enough if we must say the truth without deceiving ourselves.

“The Police have been parading the arrested kidnappers on the television but surprisingly, it appears as if they are too busy with their investigations to prosecute them,” Ayokunle stated.

December 31, 2021
Lessen pains of Nigerians; pay their entitlements when due, CAN charges leaders at Christmas

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday asked Nigerian leaders to use their powers to bring relief and joy to Nigerians this Christmas.

President of CAN, Rev. Dr. Samson ‘Supo Ayokunle, in a statement, urged those in place of authority to lessen the pains of Nigerians by paying more attention to their well-being in the prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions to the pensioners.

He added that all things should be done to reduce the high cost of commodities in the market and let enabling environment be created for employment of the youths who are roaming the streets having no job.

The CAN president also urged Nigerians to observe COVID-19 health protocols during the Xmas season.

He encouraged citizens not to let down their guards especially as the country has entered the fourth phase of the pandemic.

On insecurity, the CAN leader asked Nigerians to be hopeful and trust in the power of God.

Below is a full statement as released by the Christian body.

CAN Press Statement
Christmas: A Season of Hope, Peace and Joy
I rejoice with all Christians in Nigeria and of course all over the world at this season of Christmas, the season when God became man to live among us in order to redeem us from all our sins and eternal death. My prayer is that nothing would steal from your joy of this season in the name of Jesus Christ. (John 1: 14)
Let us remember that the devil is a deceiver and what we are passing through presently in Nigeria might not be what would cause us to rejoice! Of course, what we are currently passing through may not give anybody hope of tomorrow humanly speaking unless those in power are more decisive and God intervenes for us. We are experiencing insecurity everywhere, most especially, the kidnapping, wanton killings and destructions of facilities here and there by the criminals in our midst, the insurgency in the northeast, the northwest and the north central of Nigeria, just to mention a few are terrible things of great concern. They do not give us joy at all humanly speaking. However, we need to remember that part of the purposes of the birth of Jesus Christ is to give hope to the hopeless and deliver us from sin and those who hate us. He came to set the captives free.
The Bible says in 1Peter 1: 3-4 thus:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,”
Peter’s letter really was to a people who were hopeless, otherwise, he wouldn’t have attached hope in Christ to his message.
My message to all Nigerians is to remain hopeful in Christ Jesus and rejoice in hope no matter what the situation we are passing through may be. Our Father God can turn all situations around in Christ Jesus because as God, he can do all things. He is our Waymaker and he would make way for us in the name of Jesus.
I urge you to receive Jesus as the Lord over your life today, share the message of the saving power of Jesus with others who do not know him and show love in a practical way to someone around you. Let us through the love of Christ embrace one another irrespective of religious, ethnic and political differences. Let us be reconciled to God and to one another. Let all the killings, the kidnapping of our fellow brothers and sisters and all other acts of wickedness stop because God is going to judge these acts on the day of judgement.
At this season of Christmas, I plead with those at the corridor of power to use it to bring relief and joy to the citizens of this country. It is the good you have done now that people would remember tomorrow. Please, let us lessen the pains of Nigerians by paying more attention to their well-being in the prompt payment of workers salaries and pensions to the pensioners. Let all things be done to reduce the high cost of things in the market and let enabling environment be created for employment of our youths who are roaming the streets having no job.
I plead with all Nigerians not to let off their guards on Covid-19 protocols. The world has entered the fourth phase of the pandemic and it is spreading faster than other phases. Please, wherever you go, especially in public places such as markets and churches, wear your masks and keep all the safety protocols.
I pray that none of us would die untimely in the mighty name of Jesus.
Once again, I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a happy and very prosperous New Year 2022 in Jesus’ name.
Rev. Dr. Samson ‘Supo Ayokunle
President, Christian Association of Nigeria &
Co-Chairman, Nigeria Inter Religious Council (NIREC)
23 December, 2021.

December 23, 2021
CAMA law: Court dismisse CAN’s suit against CAC, Minister of Trade

A Federal High Court, Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) against the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment, dismissed the suit over the failure of the plaintiff to comply with the law in the name used in filing the originating summons.

“Therefore, this application lacks merit and ought to be dismissed and I hereby make an order dismissing same,” he declared.

While the Incorporated Trustees of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is the plaintiff in the suit, the CAC and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment are 1st and 2nd defendants respectively.

The plaintiff, in an originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/244/2021, had prayed the court to determine “whether Section 839, subsections (1), (7) (a) and (10) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, is inconsistent with Sections 4(8), 6(6)(b) and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) (as amended) which guarantees the plaintiff’s right to freedom of association and the right to seek redress in court.

“Whether the provision of Section 854 of the CAMA is inconsistent with Section 39 of the CFRN which guarantees the right to freedom of expression,” among others.

Part of the reliefs sought by the plaintiff include “a declaration that Section 839(1), (7) (a) and (10) of the CAMA are inconsistent with Section 40 of the CFRN and thus unconstitutional, null and void.

“A declaration that Section 839(1), (7) (a) and (10) of the CAMA are inconsistent with Section 4(8) of the CFRN and thus unconstitutional, null and void.

“A declaration that Section 839(1) and (7) (a) of the CAMA are inconsistent with Section 36(1) of the CFRN and thus unconstitutional, null and void.

“A declaration that Section 839(1) and (7) (a) of the CAMA has a direct effect on the judicial power of the court under Section 6(6) (b) of the CFRN, and Is therefore void.

“An order striking down Sections 839(1), (7) (a) & (10), 842(1) and (2), 843, 851 and 854 of the CAMA for being unconstitutional.

“A declaration that Section 17(2) (a) & (d) of the CAMA demand an impossible and impracticable action; thus, void.

“An Order striking down Section 17 (2) (a) & (d) of the CAMA for being impracticable and unknown to Law.”

However, in the course of the proceedings, CAN brought an application, praying for an order to amend the originating summons and accompanying processes by replacing the word, “INCORPORATED” with “REGISTERED” in the name of the plaintiff in the suit such that it would read, “The Registered Trustees of the Christian Association of Nigeria.”

The application was filed on the grounds that the name expressed in its certificate of incorporation is the “Registered Trustees of the Christian Association of Nigeria” and not “Incorporated Trustees of Christian Association of Nigeria.”

It stated further that in the originating summons, the plaintiff’s name was inadvertently expressed as “Incorporated Trustees of the Christian Association of Nigeria.”

“This error in the plaintiff’s name was as a result of the inadvertence of counsel.

“The error in the plaintiff’s name is what we seek by this application to rectify,” it added.

The plaintiff argued that it was an oversight on the part of the counsel who prepared the draft of the processes.

In its counter affidavit, the CAC had opposed the plaintiff’s suit, challenging the propriety of the constitution of the parties and competence of the plaintiff.

It argued that “The Incorporated Trustees of the Christian Association of Nigeria;” as a non-juristic person, was unknown to law to institute and maintain the action.

“The plaintiff is not an entity registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act and not one otherwise recognised as being vested with statutory rights of incorporation and bereft of the requisite locus standi, legal capacity or competence to sue and maintain this action eo nomine against the 1st defendant.

“The certificate of incorporation, Exh. P1, is a certificate of Christian Association of Nigeria and not the plaintiff.

“The plaintiff being the party invoking the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court is not a juristic person and incompetent to do so.

“The amendment which the plaintiff seeks is not one to cure a mere misnomer but an amendment to give life to the originating processes by substituting a non-juristic person with a juristic person.

“The originating process of the plaintiff is incurably defective and cannot be cured by an amendment.

“This court cannot by an order, breathe life on an otherwise lifeless and/or non-existent entity.”

The CAC insisted that granting the application would change the character of the case and would be prejudicial to it.

Delivering judgment, Justice Ekwo said he had taken a look at the certificate of incorporation of the plaintiff attached to the origination summons as Exh. P1 and found that the name on the certificate is ‘The Registered Trustees of Christian Association of Nigeria.”

“Further peruse shows that the certificate was issued under the regime of the Land (Perpetual Succession) Act, Cap. 98 of the 1958 LFN on 19th December, 1986.

“This means that the plaintiff was registered before CAMA first came into effect in 1990.

“With this evidence, it means the plaintiff can only sue and be sued in the name on the certificate issued to it on 19th December, 1986,” he said.

He cited a previous case to back his stand.

“There must be consequential order in the circumstance of this case.

“The originating processes in the name of ‘The Registered Trustees of Christian Association of Nigeria’ cannot stand.

“Similarly, it is my opinion that this ruling has therefore also resolved the issue in the preliminary objection of the 1st defendant too.

“I find that the plaintiff did not comply with the law in the name used in filing its originating summons.

“Therefore, this application lacks merit and ought to be dismissed and I hereby make an order dismissing same,” he ruled.

The judge added that the ruling affected the foundation of the case going by the defect in the name by which the plaintiff commenced the matter.

“I therefore make an order striking out the entire case. This is the order of this court,” Ekwo held.

December 3, 2021
CAN queries, knocks U.S. for delisting Nigeria from religious freedom violators’ list

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday queried the rationale used by the US government in arriving at delisting Nigeria from the list of ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ (CPC) on the issue of freedom of religion.

CAN expressed displeasure that the US government did not communicate with the religious body when they were listing Nigeria among the CPC countries on religious freedom, nor did they seek their opinion before removing Nigeria from the list.

The leadership of CAN said they would have been able to compare the statistics then and now on the issue of freedom of religion in Nigeria, if the US government had contacted them.

President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle said: “Whatever may be the data they used, our prayer is that Nigeria would be a country where no religious group is discriminated against or persecuted and that our government would see to it that all religiously biased policies are discontinued with.”

Ayokunle emphasized that Christians had faced and are still facing persecution from ISWAP and the Boko Haram Islamic group.

He said: “These are the people who said their agenda was to wipe away Christianity from Nigeria and to plant Islam as the only religion from the North down to the Atlantic Ocean in the South. That agenda with the killing of Christians has not stopped till today and Nigerians are living witnesses.

“Though, the madness has grown now and those who are not Christians are being attacked, killed and kidnapped, this is because these criminal acts have become a lucrative business and it is whoever you can kidnap for money! If the government had responded appropriately when this criminal madness began and subdued these evil groups immediately, we wouldn’t be where we are now.”

He said CAN has been shouting at the top of its voice that government policies should be religiously neutral enough so that no religious group would be seen as being favored or discriminated against.

Ayokunle who issued a statement while reacting to the development said: “For example, for almost a year now, some of our churches have been finding it difficult with the Ministry of Interior to get new marriage certificate booklets after they had exhausted the ones they were using. Some had applied for new supply as far back as January this year without any response from the Ministry of Interior till now.

“This means that such churches licensed to conduct weddings were denied the right to do so for no cogent reason from the government! It is not only in Nigeria that churches are allowed to conduct weddings once they are licensed to do so. Why are the churches being denied the right to do so now in Nigeria? If there is nothing to hide by the government and it is not subtle religious discrimination, why didn’t the ministry in a written form or verbally explain to the churches that needed a new marriage certificate booklet why the supply is delayed?

“We are seizing this opportunity to appeal to the Ministry of Interior to put its acts together and allow the licensed churches to collect the marriage certificate booklets from the local government registries nearest to them without further delay and cost.”

Ayokunle said every right-thinking person will continue to ask the US government to let the world know what has changed on the issue of religious freedom and the persecution Christians are facing between the time they placed the country on the list of CPC and now.

November 21, 2021
Oritsejafor: A Fiery ‘Defender of Faith’ – Michael West

By Michael West

One thing anybody cannot deny about the immediate past President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Joseph Ayodele Oritsejafor, is his voice, courage, and passion in defense of the Christian faith in Nigeria. The foremost charismatic preacher represents different personality to different people. He’s torn between two extreme loyalties: those who accept and follow him passionately and those who virulently dislike his guts. The latter class of people often see Oritsejafor from the prism of ostentation, unflinching faith activism and the audacity to tell truth to power. Like a general in the army of the Lord, his actions and utterances are anchored on the principles of his call as a priest of God and a prophet to the nation of Nigeria.

Like any other man, Oritsejafor has been through his own phases of challenges in ministry, as well as in his personal and public life. That’s why it is convenient for him to identify with the needy and the vulnerable members of the society and responds to their situation as he’s led to do. The father of triplets is a passionate lover of children and supporter of talents. Known for firmness and courage, Oritsejafor gave the Nigerian Church the much needed leadership that scared and curtailed the oppressive and aggressive onslaughts against Christians at the time. Despite his numerous obligations, Oritsejafor sacrificially spent his personal resources to fight oppression of his constituency – the church, provided relief for the victims of natural disasters like he did when floods wrecked havoc in parts of Sokoto State in October 2012.

He was very vocal against the undue advantage of one religion over the other as demonstrated in the official patronage over the years. Oritsejafor was despised in some quarters for being audacious by cutting-to-size the larger-than-life image of the ‘feudal lords’ in national affairs at any given opportunity. Even in the face of threats to his life at the peak of the Boko Haram onslaughts, Oritsejafor used the weapon of his tongue to protect and defend his people while holding the federal government, northern political elite and Muslim leaders responsible for the havoc wreaked by the insurgents because of leadership failure on their part. These were the reasons why those uncomfortable with his unrelenting and fearless disposition silently employed acerbic media attacks against him.

Last year, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, a notable Christian activist and Executive Secretary of Christian Social Movement of Nigeria, CSMN, in his tribute describes Oritsejafor as a rare gift in leadership to the Body of Christ. Emmanuel was privileged to be close to CAN leadership to know and evaluate the contributions of Oritsejafor while in the saddle. “In contemporary Christianity in Nigeria, only one Christian leader has distinguished himself as corporate leader willing to surrender the resources of his ministry for the common good of all, irrespective of Church group, denomination, ministry or tribe. Only His Eminence, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has accomplished this feat.

“Christianity in Nigeria is yet to raise another corporate leader that would fearlessly confront the adversaries to defend the flock of Christ. He was bold, fearless, and inspired many Christian professionals to rise to support CAN. His tenure as President of CAN witnessed the introduction of some landmark policies that would not only have prevented the current persecution of Christians but would have enabled Christianity to transform Nigeria.” He stated.

November 10 every year is Oritsejafor’s birthday. In a tribute exclusively made available to me on Wednesday, Bishop Abraham Olaleye, an evangelist, one of the leaders of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Olaleye described Oritsejafor as a charismatic leader who demonstrated the “qualities of a good leader” not just by himself but also he possesses “the ability to see the leadership qualities in others and give them responsibilities and this is why he delegates authority to others.” He further expressed his opinion on the person of the former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.

“I will describe Pastor Ayo as a great charismatic leader, a fiery preacher who easily warms himself into people’s hearts. I encountered him first time in 1979 on his popular TV program called ‘Hour of Deliverance.’ Wherever I was, on Sunday afternoon, I make sure I head home so I won’t miss that fiery preaching which was aired at 5pm. It was a delight for me when I met him personally in 1982 during R. W. Schambach’s crusade held at TBS Lagos. He hosted the crusade in which Evang. Dr. Ebenezer Obey was actively involved.

“Our next meeting came In 1986, when he gave me accommodation during the Church of God Mission Convention of that year in Warri; that was before the inception of Word of Life Bible Church. He is also the spiritual father to my sister-in-law Bukky Omolu and her husband, Abel. After nearly two decades, I had the honour of meeting him again, but this time as the National President of the PFN. This was 2006, when he came to inaugurate the newly appointed Exco in Lagos State. I was appointed the vice chairman to Pastor Wale Adefarasin – chairman, and it was a great pleasure working with this charismatic leader.

“After Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Pastor Ayo is the next person I came close to, that loved and served the Body of Christ the way he did. This unusual commitment was evident to all, and it no doubt led him to becoming the President of CAN, the highest Christian position in the nation. This elevation made him the first Pentecostal pastor to become the head of the umbrella body. Pastor Ayo may come to many as flamboyant, but one cannot deny the fact that he is a lovable personality, especially when one comes into close contact with him. I believe that God had used him to put a shine on Christianity and the gospel ministry in Nigeria.

“One of the qualities of a good leader Pastor Ayo amply demonstrated is the ability to see the leadership qualities in others and give them responsibilities and this is why he still delegates authority to others. For instance, he sent me to mediate in feuds between leaders at the national level on two occasions during his leadership in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. He related with other leaders in the body without any semblance of discrimination. This he did to promote fellowship and foster a healthy relationship and unity among God’s people.

“Pastor Ayo is a detribalized Nigerian and leader. I remember meeting him in 2009 to discuss ministers and ministries related issues and my concerns in that respect. He listened attentively and gave me a response with the following words, ‘someone has to take up the challenge and help many of these young ministers so they can have a God-focused ministries’. That is apostolic and the heart of a true leader. Shortly before the end of his tenure as PFN president, and in one of our NEC meetings held in Jos, Plateau State, he appointed me as the National Vice Chairman of Evangelism Committee.

“In summary, Pastor Ayo is a great leader, a faithful husband, father and leader. I pray for long and fulfilling years ahead for him. I wish him an awesome birthday celebration.”

Quote:
“Oritsejafor was despised in some quarters for being audacious by cutting-to-size the larger-than-life image of the ‘feudal lords’ in national affairs at any given opportunity. Even in the face of threats to his life at the peak of the Boko Haram onslaught, Oritsejafor used the weapon of his tongue to protect and defend his people.”

• West wrote via mikeawe@yahoo.co.uk
08035304268

November 14, 2021
2023: We don’t want Christian/Christian ticket nor Muslim/Muslim ticket – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned political parties to bury the thought of Christian/Christian tickets or Muslim/Muslim presidential tickets in 2023.

The President, Samson Ayokunle spoke on Thursday when CAN leadership met with Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege at the National Assembly.

Ayokunle told politicians not to heat up the polity with utterances as campaigns commence.

Ayokunle advised them to always remember there is already tension across Nigeria due to insecurity

“We urge that a balance of both religious practitioners be considered. We don’t want Christian/Christian ticket nor Muslim/Muslim ticket”, he said.

Ayokunle expressed disappointment with the economic downturn and its consequences on the people.

The CAN President called for quick actions and policies that will cushion the effect.

“Unemployment is at an unimaginable level. While we appreciate the efforts of the legislature in calling the attention of the executive, more robust and daring efforts are required

“Enabling environment should be created for investments and incentives or tax exceptions given to local manufacturers on some goods”, Ayokunle added.

October 28, 2021
CAN condemns Jos killings, urges arrest of perpetrators

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau chapter, has condemned killing of commuters at Rukuba road, in Jos North Local Government Area of the State.

In a statement on Sunday in Jos, CAN chairman in the state, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

Recall that criminals on Saturday, attacked a convoy of buses conveying commuters, killed 22 persons and injured scores.

Lubo also condemned ongoing killings in Bassa, Riyom, Jos South and Barkin Ladi local government areas.

“We wish to express deep pain over the recent attacks in Riyom, Jos North, Barakin Ladi and Bassa, leading to loss of lives and property.

“The leadership of CAN totally condemns these attacks and pleads with security agents to ensure normalcy is restored.

“Every human life is precious and the unlawful killing of any human being, regardless of their identity and affiliation, is unacceptable.

”We mourn with the families of those who lost their loved ones, as well as those who have been displaced or suffered harm of any kind.

“We urge security agencies to swiftly arrest all those involved, to bring an end to the needless killings,” he said.

Lubo said the association would continue to work toward ensuring peaceful coexistence in the state.

August 15, 2021
CAN urges FG to dialogue with Kanu, Igboho; condemns incessant killings

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed dismay over the incessant killings of many innocent Nigerians, occasioned by the attacks of Fulani herdsmen and unknown gunmen in various parts of the country.

This was contained in a communique of the association after its state executive meeting, yesterday, at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Onitsha Anambra State.

According to the communique signed by its State Chairman, Ven. Joseph Nweke CAN urge security operatives to step up efforts to tame the tide “to bring to an end to the monumental loss of innocent lives.”

On the issue of agitations by the Igbos and Yorubas, CAN called on the Federal Government to give a fair hearing to the different agitators for self-determination including Nnamdi Kalu and Sunday Igboho. He insisted that dialogue was the best approach towards unity and justice.

CAN frown at the activities of the security agents who it said always mounted roadblocks extorting money with intimidation of the populace. He appealed to the Federal Government to look into the situation for a better society.

The association also congratulated Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali of the Ebonyi State branch on his emergence as the new South-East Zonal chairman of the CAN.

It used the opportunity to praise Governor Willie Obiano “for his great strides in the development of Anambra State especially with the execution of Anambra International Cargo Airport project.”

On the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra State, CAN urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns in a way that would show the world that Anambra State is a Christian State.

CAN urged youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs during the campaigns and called on eligible voters to ensure that they obtained their voters’ cards.

On the state of the economy, CAN drew the attention of the Federal Government to the economic crunches that had continued to bite hard on Nigerians and called for a lasting solution to reduce the hardship.

August 14, 2021