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Tag: CAN

  • Coronavirus: No need banning religious activities for now – CAN tells FG, LASG

    Coronavirus: No need banning religious activities for now – CAN tells FG, LASG

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos state chapter has stated the level of coronavirus infection in the nation does not yet warrant ban on religious gathering and activities.

    It however said religious organisation, especially churches and mosques, must take proactive measures to safeguard members from infection.

    It also urged governments to stop at nothing to secure the borders and contain the pandemic in the nation.

    Chairman Lagos CAN, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, told reporters on Wednesday that Nigeria must do everything to win the war against the virus.

    He said: “The Federal Government must further secure our borders. Many nations are doing this very seriously now. We must also act now as a nation.

    “Our nation cannot afford to welcome or accommodate coronavirus in our land. God forbid it in Jesus name. “

    On suggestions that religious gatherings should be banned like in some European nations, Bamgbola said: “We have not got to that point and we believe we won’t get there.

    “We are watching the situation very closely to know what we must do. God has kept it away from us because we cannot contain the pandemic here.

    “We believe we will never get to the point of having to ban all services and churches will be grounded.”

    He called on churches to observe precautions and safety measures so that worshippers are not exposed to the virus.

    On the gas explosion at Abule Ado on Sunday, Bamgbola sympathised with victims and affected.

    He asked churches and good-spirited Christians to support the N2b Disaster Relief Fund initiated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “We strongly appeal to all the ministries and churches in Lagos state to contribute generously to this fund. No contribution will be too small.

    “We encourage you to please send your cash contributions directly to the acoounts of the fund as indicated by our dear Governor.

    “We have absolute confidence in our dearly beloved Governor that the funds will be judiciously utilised under his able watch.”

    While calling for probe of the incident, Lagos CAN said this will inspire more confidence among residents and visitors to Lagos.

  • PDP, CAN demand special probe of Lagos explosion

    Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for an investigation into the pipeline explosion at Abule-Ado in Amuwo Odofin Local government Area of Lagos State to forestall a future occurrence.

    The CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, who made this known in a statement yesterday in Abuja, condemned the transportation of explosive devices without adequate preventive measures.

    This came as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called on President Muhammadu Buhari to visit the scene of the explosion for an on-the-sport assessment of the disaster.

    Ayokunle said: “It is high time all the agencies of the government were alive to their responsibilities.”

    The statement which was made available to newsmen by the Special Assistant Media and Communications to the CAN President, Rev. Bayo Oladeji, advised all road users to be careful and ensure strict adherence to all traffic rules so as not to put the lives of other road users in danger.

    The statement reads in part: “CAN asks both the Federal and the Lagos State governments to investigate the disaster with a view to discovering the remote and immediate causes of the incident in order to prevent a future reoccurrence of the disaster anywhere in the country.

    “The outcome of the investigation will as well allow disciplinary action to be taken against any act of negligence or criminality that caused the avoidable disaster. Human lives are too precious to be wasted in this way.”

    Meanwhile, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, described it as “embarrassing lethargic approach to governance and the welfare of Nigerians”.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State yesterday presented the President with the photographs of the incident at Aso Rock.

    But Ologbondiyan said with such a national calamity and attendant loss of lives and property, it was strange that Buhari did not deem it fit to personally identify with the victims through a visit, but preferred to be presented with photographs of the ugly incident.

    The party spokesman said it was unfortunate that President Buhari would always wait to be reminded before taking action whenever Nigeria was confronted with critical issues that directly affected the wellbeing and security of the people.

    He said: “Nigerians had expected Mr. President to always lead from the front on serious national issues, as he promised, but this had not been the case, resulting in leadership failure and myriads of security, economic, environmental and political problems that had bedevilled our nation in the last five years.”

    Ologbondiyan advised the President’s handlers to immediately schedule a visit to Abule-Ado, Lagos, so that Buhari could have an on-the-spot assessment of the horrific incident in order to take corresponding action to avert a future recurrence.

    He also called for a forensic investigation into the spate of explosions, particularly the Abule-Ado disaster, given the conflicting reports on the cause of the incident.

  • Stop lying, Christians not persecuted in North, Sultan cautions CAN again

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, on Thursday faulted claims by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian leaders that Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the northern parts, are being persecuted and denied certain privileges because of their faith.

    The Sultan’s position was, apparently, in response to recent prayer protests by CAN and Catholic Bishops against what they perceived as deliberate attempts by state and non state actors to eliminate Christians in northern Nigeria.

    Speaking at the first quarterly meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting in Abuja, the Sultan expressed concerns over the level of sincerity and commitment by members of NIREC to religious peace and tolerance in Nigeria.

    He said: “It pains me when we gather at NIREC or other meetings and agreed on measures that would promote religious peace, unity and tolerance. But shortly after, you will begin to hear stories of persecution here and there.

    “If we go out shouting, marching, dancing and singing that people of a particular religion are being persecuted and killed, you also forgot people of other religions are also affected in the killings by same enemies of the state.

    “We must not allow terrorists to come in between us and divide us. If we mistakenly do, then we are finished. There is nothing wrong with any religious organisation marching on the street to call for God’s interventions in a particular issue. But we shouldn’t make show of such things because we want to be visible and therefore bring more problems to the nation.

    “We have been reading and hearing reports about persecution of Christians in Nigeria and I keep asking myself, how? Christians are being killed, Muslims are also being killed and they are all lives created by God.

    “For me there is no persecution of anybody in this country. If you claim there is persecution of Christians in Nigeria, there would also be claims of persecution of Muslims, but that would not solve the problem.

    “People claim they are denied places to build Mosque, Churches in some parts of the country. But the right thing to do in such case is to approach relevant authorities and not to make claims of persecution.

    “I can quote from now till the next 100 years, of things that have been done or not done to Muslims, but we usually approach relevant authorities in ways that we believe would bring solutions to the problems”.

    Also, Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, insisted there was nothing like persecution of Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the north, as claimed by some religious leaders.
    He, however, appealed to religious leaders to be properly guided in their utterances and not to make statements that would incite the people against themselves.

    He reminded them of their positions as religious leaders with massive influence and loyalty from Nigerians, appealing to them to use their positions to preach peace and unity among Nigerians irrespective of religious belief.

    He said: “Nigeria has recently experienced several challenges including a spike in banditry, insurgency, kidnappings, killings and drugs abuse. It’s time for review of approach and strategy for improved result.”

    The SGF however, reminded them that no religion, community or business will be speared if Nigeria goes up in flames.

    He insisted on joint efforts by both religions to strengthen peace and unity in Nigeria.

  • CAN announces national day of prayer for persecuted Christians

    The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared Jan. 21 of every year as the CAN National Day of Prayers for the `persecuted Christians’ in Nigeria.

    Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant Media and Communications media and communications to the CAN President, His Eminence, Rev. Samson Ayokunle said this in a statement in honour of the late CAN Chairman, Rev. Lawan Andimi.

    Oladeji said the date was set aside in remembrance of the slain chairman in Michika Local Government of Adamawa State and other victims of terror and herdsmen attacks.

    “Jan. 21, was the day Rev. Andimi was killed by the Boko Haram terrorists after his refusal to convert to Islam as demanded by his captors, hence, it was a day chosen in his honour.

    “The resolution, according to the CAN President, became imperative in honour of all the Christians who have been killed by the Boko Haram terrorists, herdsmen killers, and the bandits nationwide,’’ he said.

    He called on the Body of Christ in the country, especially denominational leaders to reflect the date in their annual calendar of activities.

    “The decision was taken Friday at the just concluded meeting of the National Executive Committee held at its National Secretariat in Abuja.

    “Joseph Daramola was also confirmed in the meeting as the substantive general secretary and Elder Biodun Sanyaolu as the Assistant General Secretary of CAN.

    “Daramola has been the acting general secretary of the association since the demise of the immediate past General Secretary, Rev Dr Musa Asake, after a brief illness,’’ he said.

    He said other officers confirmed at the meeting were Pastor Okusanya Oludare (National Treasurer), Rev. Gideon Shagba (Director, Ecumenism and Inter-Faith), and Comfort Chigbue (Director, Legal and Public Affairs.

    “Others are Rt. Rev. Stephen Adegbite (Director, National Issues and Social Welfare), Pastor Omonuwa Ogiemudia (Director, Education, Youth & Women Development) and Bishop Nwankwo (Planning, Research and Strategy),’’ he said.

  • Insecurity: All is not well with Nigeria – CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday held a church service and a peaceful march to mark the second year of Miss Leah Sharibu in Boko Haram captivity.

    In Abuja, CAN President Rev. Samson Ayokunle and the Senior Pastor, Dunamis International Gospel Center, Dr. Paul Enenche, warned that killings in the country could lead to anarchy

    Leah along with over 100 girls were forcibly abducted by Boko Haram insurgents from their hostel at the Government Girls Science Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State February 19,2018. Though her mates were later released, she was held back for refusing to renounce her Christian faith. There were reports late January that she had given birth to a boy.

    The Yobe Christians, who came out in large numbers, prayed to God for the release of the young girl and later staged a peaceful protest from the EWCA Church to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Damaturu.

    They carried placards with different inscriptions condemning the deteriorating security in the country and calling on President Buhari to ensure the protection of lives and property.

    The protesting Christians sent a message of hope to Leah and others in captivity, including Muslims and remembered Mr. Bitrus Zakka from Adamawa State, who was recently murdered by Boko Haram.

    The state CAN Chairman Rev. Fr. Philibus Yakubu, said the Christian community in the state is still hopeful for the release of Leah .

    “They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you. Yahweh declares to rescue you,” he quoted Jeremiah 1:19.

    At a news conference in Abuja to mark the second year of Leah’s abduction, Rev. Ayokunle and Enenche said since the Federal Government was not unaware of the killings in the country, it must take urgent steps to defeat Boko Haram.

    They said it was a shame for a government that has an Army, Air force and Navy to allow the level killings going on its territory

    “The development is a shame and there is a cloud of confusion that hangs over the nation and the people that are governing this nation are not doing the right thing,” they lamented.

    Rev. Ayokunle, who was represented by CAN Vice-President, Caleb Ahima, said: “CAN has been calling and talking to the government and I think it(government) is obvious of the persistence of this evil.

    “We are sure of one thing. We cannot doubt that the government knows what is happening. Looking at the fact that we are a nation, we have the Airforce, the Navy, we have the soliders, we have the weapons, but what is happening in this nation?

    “We call on the Federal Government again that we are getting to a point of anarchy. It is the constitutional responsibility of government to protect the lives and property of its citizens. But, where this looks to have been ignored. We have every reason to be suspicious and to speak passionately to government again that Christians in this nation are Nigerians and must not be killed.

    “We want the world to know the evil that is happening in the country under the watch of this government. More blood is been shed. The killing is religious. Boko Haram sect wants to establish an Islamic state. We must stop this killings.”.

    Pastor Enenche, who was the convener of the event, expressed displeasure over the way and manner government is handling Boko Haram. He called on those sponsoring evil to desist or face God’s punishment.

    His words: “I think that this day is one of the saddest in the history of our nation. There has been a high level of willful ignorance on the part of the entire nation. It looks like some people are telling some fake stories.

    “What kind of situation have we found ourselves? And who in this nation will be sincere enough to say that everything is right? If this is not a state of emergency of a very calamitous dimension, what are we experiencing? To what extent should it go before people are convinced? A nation is literally being wiped out from the North

    “Let the awareness be clear that all is not well in the land. We have a lot of people in the country today, but it is as if their lips have been sealed. People are watching evil going on and nobody is saying anything.

    “It is time for everybody to say no to this evil. Enough of evil and bloodshed. Enough of the rule of terror. Everybody, who is sponsoring, collaborating or supporting the terrorists and bloodshed, let it be known to you that your days are numbered.”

    Some victims of Boko Haram were presented with relief materials.

  • Presidency attacks CAN, warns Christian body to stop misinforming Nigerians

    Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, has asked leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to stop misinforming Nigerians as regards the state of affairs within the country.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Adesina urged CAN to desist from disinformation which can further divide Nigerians.

    Adesina’s comments come on the heels of allegations by the Christian association bordering around the payment or non-payment of ransom for the release of the Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls who were adopted by Boko Haram terrorists.

    The President’s spokesman reacted directly to reports which quoted CAN’s Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Kwamkur Samuel to have said inter alia that “Nigerians need to know if they have not known the reason why the Presidency could not pay ransom to rescue Chibok girls. It is because 80% to 90% of the girls are Christians. The reason why Dapchi girls’ ransom was quickly paid and they were returned is the discovery that most of the girls were Muslims except Leah Sharibu who is still in captivity.”

    According to the President’s media aide, the claims by CAN were unfounded.

    Mr Adesina said when the media in August 2018 quoted a United Nations report alleging that the Federal Government paid a “huge ransom” for the release of the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls on March 21, 2018, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, immediately disputed the report, insisting that no ransom was paid, “little or huge.”

    He further stated that according to the Minister, “There must be conclusive evidence to support such a claim. Without that, the claim remains what it is – a mere conjecture.”

    Having stated this, Adesina rhetorically asked if Nigerians should believe their Minister for Information or CAN.

    The president’s aide urged CAN to desist from disinformation which can further divide Nigerians, adding that the letter and spirit of the Holy Bible do not support discord, which CAN’s allegations are liable to cause.

    “The Christian body needs not to be antagonistic to every attempt by the administration to move Nigeria forward before it can champion or defend the Christian faith.”

    According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari made it very clear in 2015 that if a ransom needed to be paid to free the Chibok schoolgirls, he would pay it and that is a testament to his commitment to getting the girls back.

    Adesina was of the opinion that regardless of the diversity of faiths in Nigeria, all Nigerians are stakeholders in the promotion of peace in their fatherland.

    He said the Holy Bible enjoins everyone to seek peace, and pursue it.

  • Insecurity: Presidency reacts to CAN’s nationwide protest march

    Insecurity: Presidency reacts to CAN’s nationwide protest march

    The Presidency has lauded the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for rising to its duty of sensitizing Nigerians to stand against the evil being wrecked on the country by bloodthirsty terrorists.

    In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, made available to State House Correspondents Tuesday evening, the Presidency also observed that the protest march, as was carried out last Sunday, was in order and an exercise of a civic right.

    The statement observed that all Nigerians, irrespective of religious inclination, must just the government to take actions that disapprove of the activities of the murderous terrorists, respect the rights others to hold their religious beliefs without harassment from anyone.

    It emphasizes President Muhammadu Buhari’s, as well as other members of his government, in the standard that all lives, irrespective of classes or affiliations, are sacred and must be protected.

    “The actions of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in recent days represent the peaceful right of all Nigerians to protest and express their views on matters of religion, ethics, politics and society.

    “The origination of their protests is the shocking, unacceptable death of Pastor Lawan Andimi at the hands of Boko Haram. The President feels their pain, and that of his family, for his loss.

    “The President believes, as does every member of his administration, both Christian and Muslim in the words of CAN’s placards: ‘All life is sacred’.

    “Whether you are Christian or Muslim, all Nigerians and their beliefs must be respected. The duty of all of us is to uphold the rights of others to worship according their faith – and to respect the rights of each other to do so freely in the spirit of brotherhood and respect – and without interference.

    “This means, however, that we must stop false claims that only serve to divide one community against the other. There is no place in Nigeria for those who politicise religion. This is the President’s message to both Muslim and Christian communities alike.

    “In the light of this, the CAN-inspired prayers and street enlightenment in our cities are much welcome as sensitizers to the need for ALL CITIZENS irrespective of faith, religion or language to accept their duty and role in law enforcement, to prevent crime in all its manifestations, be it corruption, theft, terrorism, banditry or kidnapping. Without citizen involvement, there is no miracle with which less than half-a-million policemen can effectively protect a population of 200 million.

    “CAN is right to arouse popular consciousness to this duty to the state.

    “One more thing is this: it is the added need for citizen-consciousness to stand up for nation. Nigerians, only Nigerians can defend their nation against these abhorrent killings and all sorts of crimes worrying us as a nation.

    “From the prayers and advocacy by CAN, citizens need to take an important lesson, which is, that our people must rally around the flag. Together, they rise to defeat the enemy and defend the state. In Nigeria, some groups rally against the government instead of the enemy. This is not right. It has the effect of playing into the hands of the enemy of the state.

    “We will not defeat the terrorists, nor speed the return for those citizens, young and old taken by them by division in our own ranks. To pull apart is to play into the hands of the terrorists: this is what they want”, the statement said.

  • ‘Prevent another civil war at all costs…’ CAN urges FG

    ‘Prevent another civil war at all costs…’ CAN urges FG

    The Christian Association of Nigeria yesterday urged the Federal Government to prevent whatever could lead the nation to another civil war at all costs.

    According to the association, present Nigeria is not a country of any well-meaning citizen’s dream.

    CAN President Samson Ayokunle said this in a statement by the association’s spokesman, Adebayo Oladeji.

    He said killings must be stopped immediately as passing the buck “is no longer acceptable.”

    He said terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminals should not be treated with kid gloves, assuring that the Church would not cease praying for the government and its leaders.

    He said the CAN declared the three days of prayer and fasting from January 31 to February 2 to save Nigeria in general and Christians in particular from consistent and serial killings by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and ritualists.

  • Boko Haram: CAN, opposition leaders aiding insurgents aim of destabilising Nigeria – Christian elders

    Some Christian elders, under the aegis of United Christian Forum of Nigeria (UCFN) has accused the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of aiding Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to destabilize the country.

    UCFN made this strong allegation at a state of the nation press conference by its Secretary-General, Rev Oyekanmi Rafael, in Lagos on Monday, following the murder of an Adamawa-based preacher.

    In his address, while condemning the killing of the clergyman, Rev Rafael expressed disgust at the manner both groups reacted, accusing the pair of interpreting with sentiments which would have escalated the tension.

    Rev Rafael singled out the Christian umbrella body for slack, saying they manifested “partisan toga by freely canvasing for the sack of Service and Security Chiefs”, calling it a “destructive campaign against the Presidency and Nigerians”.

    CAN were further advised to quit playing the religious card, aimed to sow the seed of discord, disunity and inflame passions of hate in the hearts of Nigerians.

    Such agenda, the clergyman disclosed, is only aimed at painting President Muhammadu Buhari black, hence promoting the opposition and assisting Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists destabilize Nigeria.

    Instead of towing this path, UCFN, however, urged CAN to support and pray for the president and the military, who on the verge of flushing out the terrorists.

  • ‘Insecurity: God is angry with the leadership of CAN’

    ‘Insecurity: God is angry with the leadership of CAN’

    The General Overseer of the Ark of Covenant Total Life Ministries, Prophet Isaac Itodo has revealed that the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been enmeshed in playing politics and fraternizing with political opponents of the present administration in heating the polity in Nigeria at the detriment of uniting the body of Christ in Nigeria.

    The fiery cleric stated this in an exclusive chat with journalists in the wake of the killing of the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa state, Rev. Lawan Andimi by Boko Haram terrorist group.

    Prophet Isaac Itodo stated that the prophecy from God is that the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has compromised its position as a body of Christ to lead the children of God by availing itself as a willing political tool for sale to the highest bidder.
    “The Prophecy from God is that from the time of Ayo Oristejafor as the Chairman of CAN, the leadership of the association was compromised when they started dinning and winning with politicians and also using CAN as a political tool for settling political scores.”

    “As strange as this may sound, the revelation from God is that the leadership of CAN as it was engaged in too many activities that brought the body of Christ into disrepute in return for a plate of porridge.”
    When asked what he meant by activities that brought the body of Christ into disrepute, the clergy stated that some of the decisions taken by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan were not in the interest of the country and instead of the leadership of CAN to speak out, they supported him by playing the religious card.

    “The CAN was a willing tool used by the Goodluck Jonathan administration to hide the killings and mismanagement of public funds meant for the procurement of arms and ammunition to prosecute the Boko Haram war in North-East Nigeria.”
    The cleric further added that some leaders of CAN instead of sober reflecting on the killing of the Chairman of CAN in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, they have capitalized on it to make monetary demands from highly placed politicians in the country for propaganda purposes.

    “God works in mysterious ways. Ways we mortals cannot comprehend. For in Romans 1:18, it stated that “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”

    “It is ironic that these leaders have forgotten so soon on about the wrath of God in Ezekiel 25:17 that states how God will “execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon them.”
    The cleric averred that God is angry with the leadership of CAN and advises them to retrace their steps or be ready for God’s visitation upon them.

    “It is indeed a shame that the body of Christ could denigrate to a level where truth would be far from them, where they take pride in bearing false witness against brethren. God is angry with them on how they have compromised by preferring to tell lies instead of telling the truth at all times like Jesus Christ.”
    Prophet Isaac Itodo further asserted that CAN allowed itself to become an accomplice in the unemployment equation by seeking to pray for Governors and top politicians that are ready to pay than holding a nationwide spiritual exercise to disgrace the devil and his plans for Nigeria.

    “The leadership of CAN is cash and carry, where prayers are offered in return for money. They prefer to be seen in the company of governors and other political office holders who can pay their price in return for prayers. And to think that the leadership of CAN is now using the killing of Rev. Lawan Andimi to seek personal gains from top politicians in the country is very sad.”

    “The leadership of CAN cannot mock God because instead of bringing the Church together, they have elected to share money and utter just anything to the highest bidder because they have turned CAN to the biggest political party in Nigeria by using the name of God in vain to promote their empire for selfish interests and gains, forgetting that the scriptures state that Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
    Prophet Isaac Itodo stated that several other revelations were received from God on how the leadership of CAN had compromised. If they do not desist from their old ways, the wrath of God will come down heavily on them.

    “God revealed that the leadership of CAN must imbibe the spirit of uprightness and deviate from their old ways. That they should seek His Face in times of tribulations rather than running to those whose actions and inactions have contributed to the level of insecurity in Nigeria.”
    When asked about the state of insecurity in the country as one of God’s wrath on Nigeria, the clergy stated that the issue of insecurity had been politicized and blown out of proportion by politicians.

    “The issue of insecurity has been politicized, and it is sad that CAN have been brought into the fray by these same set of politicians that are fueling the crisis to demand the sacking of Service Chiefs. Monies have indeed exchanged hands with the leadership of CAN for them to be calling for the sack of Service Chiefs”.