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Tag: CAN

  • CAN lauds Gov. Okowa’s performance in governance

    CAN lauds Gov. Okowa’s performance in governance

    …Christian group projects Augoye for Governor in 2023

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Friday poured encomium on the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa for his outstanding performance in governance.

    Chairman of the Ugbokodo, Okpe Local Government Area chapter of the CAN, Pastor Alika Ogochukwu lauded the Governor at a prayer session organized for the governorship aspiration of Chief James Augoye, the former Delta State Commissioner for Works.

    The prayer session was organized by the Ugbokodo Political Forum (UPF), led by Mr. Sunday Omadaju, in conjunction with the Ugbokodo chapter of the CAN.

    The Association specially lauded Governor Okowa for his outstanding performance in governance, and appreciated the Governor for appointing Chief Augoye to serve with him.

    The CAN chairman said Governor Okowa did very well for making sure that Okpe Kingdom is ably represented in his administration. He also thanked the Governor for ensuring sustainable peace in the State, and for ensuring even distribution of projects across the State.

    Rating Augoye as Commissioner for Works, Ogochukwu said the former Commissioner performed above board in articulating the policies and programmes of the Okowa’s administration.

    He expressed optimism that if Augoye is given the opportunity to serve as Governor of the State come 2023 he will meet the expectations of Deltans.

    While calling on Deltans to throw their weights behind the aspiration of Augoye, the CAN chairman led prayers for the political processes in the State to favour the ambition of Augoye.

    Meanwhile, speaking during the prayer day, which Ogochukwu said was a confirmation of what God wants to do in the life of Augoye come 2023, the leader of UPF, Omadaju said the UPF is for every person resident in Ugbokodo irrespective of political affiliations.

    Speaking to the over hundreds of persons and over 20 clergymen present at the occasion, the UPF leader said the group was set up to lead mobilisation for Augoye as politicking for 2023 draws ever closer.

    Omadaju pleaded with Governor Okowa and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to give Augoye the opportunity to serve the State in the capacity of Governor, given his antecedents as Commissioner for Works.

    Meanwhile, Governorship hopeful, Chief Augoye, speaking at the prayer day, recalled his dream of becoming Governor as far back as 29 years ago.

    Augoye revealed he first had the dream of becoming the Governor of Delta State in 1993. He said God told him 29 years ago and that he has never mentioned it to anyone.

    The two-time Delta State Commissioner for Works said he is a man who does not struggle for position, that everything he has or has become is by the grace of God.

    Augoye emphasized that by the grace of God, 2023 will be a year of total consolidation and advancement on His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Okowa’s legacy in Delta State. He stated that this means Deltans across the 25 local government areas of the State will continue to have reasons to glorify God.

    Augoye had said a day is coming when he will unveil his manifesto for Deltans to assess his plans and policies.

    At the event, prayers were said for God’s guidance and protection for Augoye’s aspiration as well as the success of the remaining part of the Gov. Okowa’s administration, which has developed the State in line with his SMART agenda for a stronger Delta.

    Highlights of the program include praise and worship to God, exhortation and prayers for Governor Okowa, Augoye and Delta State.

    Present at the prayer day are leaders of UPF; Mr. Francis Umuko and Mr. John Uvo, including the most elderly man of the community, Pa Isaac Ukeredi.

    Ministers present include: Pastor Olusoji Ajayi, Rev Dr. Johnson Imeh, Rev. Gladys Akpoumukoro, Pastor Gracious Onosakponome, Bishop Pat Aigbodelehe, Rev Ashley Idama, Rev. Apst Sunday Ikudehinbu, amongst others.

  • BREAKING: Abducted students of Kaduna Baptist school regain freedom

    BREAKING: Abducted students of Kaduna Baptist school regain freedom

    Twenty eight (28) students abducted by bandits from Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi in Kaduna State have regained freedom.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the 28 abducted students were released as confirmed by the Kaduna State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN), Joseph Hayab on Sunday.

    Recall that a total number of 121 students were abducted from their hostels at the Bethel Baptist High School by bandits on July 5.

    On July 12, one of the students, Abraham Aniya was rescued by security operatives alongside two other victims who were kidnapped along Kaduna-Kachia road.

    On July 20, two other students escaped when they were tasked to go and fetch firewood from a nearby forest.

    However, after 20 days in captivity, the bandits have released 28 of the students abducted from the school, according to TheCable.

     

    More details to follow shortly…

  • 2023: CAN calls for Christian President

    2023: CAN calls for Christian President

    The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) on Saturday said the next President should be a Christian to ensure balance in leadership.

    YOWICAN also said rotation of the office of the President will promote equity, unity and peace.

    It warned bandits and kidnappers to desist from perpetrating evil and put a stop to the ongoing kidnappings and killings.

    The Christian association also pledged collaboration with Muslims and Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC) towards peace building.

    These were contained in a communique at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of YOWICAN and read by its National Chairman, Belusochukwu Enwere.

    Enwere said: “The next President should come 2023 should be a Christian because the present administration, the president is a Muslim and so the President should rotate amongst the Christians and Muslims so that there will be balance in the leadership of Nigeria.

    “We have competent Christian leaders who can represent and manage the affairs of this country. We urge our leaders to fully participate in politics so that we can produce a good president for Nigeria.

    “That YOWICAN shall continue to collaborate and work in concert with brothers from the Muslim faith to pursue the desired peace, unity and progress of the nation; and more particularly under the auspices of the Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC).”

    The CAN youths demanded the immediate release of all abductees and particularly the students of the Bethel Baptist High School Kaduna State, who have been in captivity.

    The NEC meeting held at the National Christian Centre on Saturday was attended by National Executive Members, Zonal Leaders, State Leaders (drawn from the 36 States of the Federation plus the FCT) and representatives from the Blocs/denominations under CAN.

  • Pray for Nigerian leaders despite their failures -Kaduna CAN

    Pray for Nigerian leaders despite their failures -Kaduna CAN

    The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has asked its members to continue to pray for the peace and unity of the country.

    This, according to the chairman, Rev. John Hayab, was despite the failure of both the federal and state governments in securing and providing the citizens sources of livelihoods.

    The Chairman made this known in a statement titled, ‘CAN: Kaduna Christian should keep a positive Spirit and find Happiness amidst our many problems,’ released in Kaduna on Saturday.

    While accepting the pains, agonies its members were passing through both in the federal and state levels, the state CAN appealed to all pastors, Christians and the entire people of the state to “seek deliberate” things to do to cheerful.

    According to CAN, the challenges Nigerians are going through today will soon be a thing of the past, adding that people should shun negativity and embrace hope, courage to overcome the present challenges.

    The statement read, “the leadership of CAN in kaduna State is appealing to all pastors, Christian faithful, and the entire people of kaduna State to seek deliberate ways and things to do that will give their, homes, followers, and the people in the state something to be happy about.

    “When you visit many people in kaduna state today at home, meet them on a bus, or even during wedding and burials ceremonies what you will hear from the majority of them is the fear of insecurity, lack of jobs, complaints about lack of money, etc.

    “When people allow these types of feelings to overwhelm them then they may fall into many more problems such as fear, depression, high blood pressure, unstable mind with the inability to coordinate.

    “When a larger part of any society is taken over by anxiety and confusion then you will not see good planning and effective productivity from them. These we see are strategies of the enemy to make people weak for him to easily get rid of them.”

    It added, “CAN is therefore admonishing all believers and all other people that want to see progress in their families and the state from all faith and tribal dispositions to not allow any negative attitude or feelings because of the pains we are having now to overwhelm them.

    “CAN kaduna State acknowledge that it is not easy to wake up every day hearing heartbroken stories and witnessing the evil of kidnapping of loved one, paying huge Ransome, confronting joblessness and poverty without a source to play your role as a parent or breadwinner in the house?

    “Many we understand have not been able to pay house rents, school fees, and medical bills. The load is truly becoming too heavy for some to carry but amidst all these, we are appealing to faithful to think positively and find simple things that will make them happy.

    “When we allow depression and the sight of these many unfortunate happenings to take away our joy and happiness which can lead to heart attacks we will only increase more orphans, widows, and widowers in society.

    “We should continue to pray for our leaders despite their failures, do our stewardship to the nation faithfully, and pray also for the peace and progress of our nation as we work hard to make this state and our country how we desire it should be.May God bring back kaduna state and Nigeria to the path of peace and abundance.”

     

  • Fresh kidnappings in Kaduna show Buhari has lost grip of leadership – CAN

    Fresh kidnappings in Kaduna show Buhari has lost grip of leadership – CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Tuesday said President Muhammadu Buhari has lost grip of leadership of the country over the rising spate of mass abductions of secondary and tertiary institution students.

    CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle in a statement issued in Abuja while reacting to the recent kidnapping of over 180 students of Baptist Bethel College in Kaduna State expressed shock and condemned the act.

    Ayokunle advised Buhari to seek foreign assistance before it’s too late.

    He said it is obvious that security operatives are overwhelmed.

    Ayokunle said: “As it is gradually becoming a norm in Nigeria, Nigerians were yet again taken by surprise to read about the news of the 180 innocent pupils of Bethel Baptist College, Kaduna who were kidnapped by the notorious Boko Haram Terrorists or bandits on Monday 5th July 2021.

    “These are children of innocent Nigerians who left the confines of their parents in pursuit of education and a better tomorrow.

    “According to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the welfare and the security of all Nigerian citizens is the primary responsibility of the government.

    “That President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR has indeed lost grip on the leadership of this nation, especially his inability to provide security for citizens of this nation. He should therefore seek foreign assistance before it is too late.”

    CAN said that a government has no business shaking hands, attending international fora, sending emissaries to other countries and commissioning projects when the lives of an average citizen of its own country is at stake.

    “It is a sin and a crime against humanity to have zero regard for the lives of others or be unable to provide security for citizens,” CAN said.

    The CAN boss said kidnapping and abduction are now a thriving business in Nigeria and is almost becoming synonymous with the leadership of Buhari.

    “Whereas, provision of adequate security for all Nigerian citizens was one of the campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in the 2015/2019 general elections and the major reason people voted for him was being an ex-military man, the administration has failed woefully to keep a campaign promise.

    “The former administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was severely criticized by our present leaders for inability to curb the activities of Boko Haram, but today we are not only being harassed by Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (who recently appointed their own governor for Borno State) we are terribly traumatized by bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.

    “Nigeria is no longer a safe haven. It has gradually become a den of kidnappers and other criminals who are operating almost unchecked. It is obvious that the security operatives are overwhelmed,” CAN said.

    While condemning the abduction of the school children, CAN, called on international communities to come to the aid of Nigeria as they did in Syria: “because it appears that our leaders are incapacitated and are not humble enough to admit failure. They are unwilling to seek help.

    “Furthermore, the situation in Kaduna has become quite terrible because of the uncouth, unbridled and acidic statements credited to the state Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai who appears to be talking too much than acting! Nigeria, a land once flowing with milk and honey has become a wasteland and a land that is devouring its inhabitants in the hands of this present leadership.

    “On the other hand, it is quite appalling that while some people are working hard to climb the ladder of success and greatness through hard work, some crazy criminals make up their minds to be making a living from kidnapping and murder of their fellow human beings.

    “These have turned themselves to beasts amidst us, thus causing pain and sending many to early graves. We plead with them to repent of this evil because they will never escape the judgement of God and that, very soon. For God’s sake, what evil did these students they kidnapped do against them?” CAN added.

    Ayokunle appealed to Buhari and all the newly appointed service chiefs to, as a matter of urgency and priority, rise up to the situation as nobody is to take responsibility in the first instance than them.

    He urged the Service Chiefs to improve on intelligence gathering as a matter of priority and provide employment to make recruitment of young Nigerians into criminality unpopular any longer.

    Ayokunle warned that: “The story of these 140 innocent pupils of Bethel Baptist College, Kaduna must not be like the story of Chibok Girls who are still missing till date despite plummeted boast and blank promises by the present administration in 2015 to recover them if they win the election”.

    CAN prayed that: “President Muhammadu Buhari must ensure a safe return and reunion of all the 140 innocent pupils of Bethel Baptist College, Kaduna to their families and others in captivity.

    “That President Muhammadu Buhari should summon all the security chiefs and cause them to explain why the criminals are operating with ease in Nigeria without being brought to book.

    “That President Muhammadu Buhari should caution His Excellency, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai from talking more than acting.”

  • Insecurity: Nigerians are hungry, frustrated, CAN cries to FG

    Insecurity: Nigerians are hungry, frustrated, CAN cries to FG

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (Northern CAN) has averred that the current insecurity in the country has not only crippled the economy, it has also plunged Nigerians into hunger, poverty and frustration.

    Northern CAN in a statement issued and signed by the public relations officer (PRO) of the association, Rev. Jechonia Albert, said, “without mincing words, Northern CAN wish to state that the current state of the Nation has plunged the vast majority of the people into hunger, poverty, frustration and despondency.

    “Amid increasing insecurity, bad economy and undemocratic tendencies among the leaders, is there anything really worth celebrating? Certainly none!

    “We are particularly concerned about the security situation which appeared to have overwhelmed the government.

    “The security situation has crippled the economy as traveling on the highways across the country has become a nightmare to Nigerians.”

    CAN further averred that the security situation in the country today has worsened with bandits, kidnappers and Boko Haram insurgents unleashing mayhem on Nigerians, killing innocent people and sacking communities.

    “Thousands of Nigerians, especially, in rural communities have been rendered homeless by bandits. On a daily basis across the country, communities are being raided, people are being killed or abducted by rampaging bandits and other criminal elements,” it added.

    The Christain body noted that the rains are here but farmers cannot go to the farms for fear of being killed or abducted by bandits, stressing that the implication of this, is that a looming food crisis stares the nation in the face and unless steps are taken to provide a secured environment for farmers to return to the farms, Nigeria may be in for more trouble with a hungry and frustrated population.

    Northern CAN also expressed concern with the frequent attacks on schools and the abductions of students and pupils by bandits, especially, in states like Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Niger.

    “We fear that these attacks, if not checked, many parents will be discourage parents and children would be force to abstain from school, given the recent cases in Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina and Niger states, where parents of abducted school children paid hundreds of millions of naira to bandits for the release of their children.

    “We fear that if nothing is done to stop the attacks and abductions in schools, many parents may not send their children to school again.

    “This will bring about serious set back to the quest by the north to bridge the wide educational gap between it and the southern states of Nigeria.

    “We join other Nigerians to once again, call on the federal government for the umpteenth, time to urgently address the security situation once and for all to liberate Nigerians from criminal gangs and their reign of terror.

    “We appreciate the efforts by the security agencies despite the challenges they also face in protecting Nigerians.

    “Many of them have lost their lives while others were injured in the line of duty, partly as a result of lack of equipment to confront the criminals.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari, has repeatedly promised to address the security situation. He reiterated this during his broadcast on Democracy on Day, promising to protect Nigerians.
    We urged the President to go beyond rhetorics and match his words with action this time around in order to inspire confidence among Nigerians,” it said.

    On Democracy Day anniversary, Northern CAN said that there was nothing to celebrate in view of the excruciating pain and hardship Nigerians are facing.

    It averred that democracy is about recognising and guaranteeing the fundamental human rights of the citizens, adding that it is about allowing the will of the people to take preeminence in matters of public concern.

    “The larger majority of Nigerians cannot breathe because of certain undemocratic tendencies of our leaders.

    “Against this backdrop and the prevailing economic and security challenges, celebrating June 12 as Democracy Day makes no meaning to the Nigerian populace hence not worthy of Celebration,” the statement stated.

  • CAN speaks on T. B. Joshua’s death

    CAN speaks on T. B. Joshua’s death

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Tuesday, said the death of Prophet Temitope Joshua, should be a reminder of life after death and salvation.

    The late prophet is the Founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) and popularly known as TB Joshua.

    The Media Assistant to CAN President, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, in an interview in Lagos, urged people to occupy themselves with causes that could earn them eternal life.

    Oladeji, while expressing condolences over the demise of the late televangelist; described his home calling as a reminder to all mortals that there is a time for everything.

    He reminded Nigerians that God created man for nothing other than to worship Him, saying materialism and the quest for affluence seems to preoccupy peoples’ time other than things of salvation.

    “A time to be born and a time to die. That’s what the Bible says.

    “He has played his own role on this side of the Jordan and he has relocated, we should therefore be conscious of the fact that death is unavoidable. You can’t run away from it.

    “When it is time, you go. The important thing is to sleep in the Lord. Those who lived as Christians will reign with Christ and those who do otherwise have to spend their eternity in the Lake of Fire.

    “Our hearts go to the family and the church he left behind. May God console and comfort them in this trying time,” he said.

    The spokesman, who also condemned spate of violence in the country; tasked citizens to place national interest above personal and ethnic interest for peace and development.

    The popular Nigerian pastor died early Sunday, June 6, six days to his 58th birthday.

  • CAN advocates removal of immunity for President, deputy, others

    CAN advocates removal of immunity for President, deputy, others

    The Christian Association of Nigeria on Thursday called on the National Assembly to amend Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides immunity for the President, vice-president, governors and deputy governors from facing prosecution while in office.

    The organisation also demanded the maintenance of the secularity of Nigeria by removing any provision for religion “or if need be, insert also constitutional provisions for Ecclesiastical Courts.”

    The General Secretary of CAN, Joseph Daramola; and Director, National and Legal Issues, Comfort Chigbue, stated these during a conference on the review of the 1999 constitution in Abuja.

    CAN said the immunity clause had given room for criminals to perpetrate evil agenda against the country.

    Chigbue argued that for Nigeria to make any meaningful progress in fighting corruption, Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution must be removed.

    She said, “CAN stands for equality of all persons before the law. So, we want the immunity clause (Section 308) to be expunged. Some governors hide under the cover of immunity to perpetrate heinous acts as they cannot be challenged in court. If you err either as a President or governor, and it is so fundamental, you should have nowhere to hide.”

    Daramola also said other issues should be addressed in the constitution amendment process, including devolution of power and governance, constitutional recognition of traditional rulers, state police, secularity of Nigeria, creation of new states, autonomy of the judiciary and fiscal federalism.

    He said, “The National Assembly should maintain the secularity of Nigeria. They should remove any provision for religion or if need be, insert also constitutional provisions for Ecclesiastical Courts.

    “Revenue allocation and sharing formula should be guided by the principles of sustenance and benefits to sources of dedication on the ratio of 70 per cent retained by regions, and 30 per cent sent to the centre.

    “We demand separation of the Office of Attorney-General of the Federation from the Office of the Minister of Justice. We demand creation if new states for administrative impartment and government dividends vis-à-vis: Southern Kaduna/Kataf/Gurara State, Adada State from present Enugu State, Cross River North State, Okun State, Osigwe State, Oke-Ogun State.”

     

  • Eid-el-Fitr: Caution extremists not grounded in Islam, CAN tells Sultan-led NSCIA

    Eid-el-Fitr: Caution extremists not grounded in Islam, CAN tells Sultan-led NSCIA

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to continue to caution extremists who are not grounded in Islam.

    The actions of the extremists, CAN said is giving Islam bad names.

    The religious body gave the advice in its Eid-el-Fitr message to the NSCIA and Muslims.

    CAN prayed that the aftermath of this year Ramadan will usher in peace and unity into the country.

    According to a statement issued on Thursday by the General Secretary, Daramola Joseph: “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is rejoicing with the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and all Muslims in the country as they celebrate the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan. We wish you all Ramadan Mubarak.

    “We are not unaware that your fasting was in obedience to the divine directive: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” — Surat Al-Baqarah 2:183. May God answer all your godly prayers offered throughout the month?

    “We appeal to the leadership of NSCIA to continue to advice and caution the extremists who are not well grounded in the faith and whose wicked and ungodly actions are giving bad names to Islam. It is trite to know that no godly person will engage in the promotion of violence, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism or identify with the perpetrators.

    “We recognize and appreciate the ‘efforts’ that are being made by the Police and other security agencies towards ensuring peaceful celebrations. May God put His fears into the hearts of our leaders to promptly do what is right, justly, and godly. We also pray that those who have compromised and are compromising the security in the country will have a change of mind and those who refused to change will be exposed and sanctioned by the Almighty God Himself”.

    CAN vowed not to relent in promoting religious tolerance, peace and unity in the country and genuinely collaborate with NSCIA.

    Joseph said: “We remain partners in peace making. Let us continue working together for peace, unity and progress of the country.

    “Our heart goes to the families and Friends of those who are bereaved especially as a result of senseless and unwarranted killings in the country. May God console and comfort them all. Eid Mubarak to the leadership of NSCIA and all the Muslims in the country.”

  • State of the Nation: CAN sends prayer points to all churches

    State of the Nation: CAN sends prayer points to all churches

    Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged all churches and Christians to embark on three days of prayers for the nation, to seek divine intervention over the spate of kidnappings and killings.

    CAN made the plea to all christians in a letter released by its General Secretary, Daramola Joseph.

    The letter was titled: : ‘National days of soberness and fervent prayers for God’s mercy by Christians in Nigeria.’

    The letter not only urged Christians to pray, but it also advised them on when to pray and what to ask God to do, spelling out the prayer points.

    Daramola Joseph’s letter to all Christians:

    “This is to inform you that the CAN President, in view of the continuous killings, banditry and host of other problems in Nigeria has considered it imperative and absolutely necessary that our country needs prayers for God’s mercy and intervention in our land.

    “Consequently, all local churches are expected to gather in the evening of each day (May 28 – 30th) set aside for the prayers to pray to God in the attitude of mourning or soberness for the bloodshed of many innocent Nigerians most especially Christians.

    “In the light of these, the following are the suggested prayer points to be followed during the said prayer meetings:

    “That we are sad and pained for the blood of many innocent Nigerians that evil people in our midst had shed or for those kidnapped and abused in various ways.

    “That our leaders would do justice in leadership and show fairness to all ethnic and religious groups in all their actions so as to douse ethnic and religious tensions we have presently.

    “That the law enforcement agents would rise to their responsibilities and provide the necessary security we need in Nigeria.

    “That every step the terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, gunmen and other wicked people in our midst take henceforth would be failed. That unseen hands and army of the Lord would fight them and Nigeria would be at peace.

    “That the plans of the evil people in our midst to paralyze human, social and economic activities in this nation and throw the nation into chaos would be foiled by the Lord Jesus Christ. “That God should forgive our sins wherever we as a church or Nigerians, especially our leaders had sinned against God.

    “That any religious madness or war that would not allow us to worship God in the way we are convinced to worship Him would be nullified by the Lord.

    “Pray that the church would prevail over all threats to her existence in Nigeria. That the gate of hell will never prevail against the church in the name of Jesus. Pray and plant righteousness, Godliness, prosperity, peace and love in our nation.

    “Pray for the speedy recovery of our nation from all our losses so that this nation might become very soon a nation that everyone in the world would love to be.

    “Pray to break the yoke of generational curse that might have been placed on Nigeria and her leadership during the slave trade by the victims.”