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Tag: CAN

  • PEPT judgement: ‘Respect the judiciary’ – CAN tells Nigerians

    PEPT judgement: ‘Respect the judiciary’ – CAN tells Nigerians

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised Nigerians to accept the verdict of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.

    In a judgement delivered on Wednesday by the five-man panel of the PEPT led by Haruna Tsammani, held that the case brought before it by Peter Obi of Labour Party, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party lacks merit, thereby upholding the victory of President Tinubu in the Feb 25 Presidential election.

    Reacting to the judgement, the Kaduna State chairman of CAN, Reverend John Hayab, urged Nigerians to allow the rule of law to take its course in the overall peace and unity of Nigeria.

    “We should, as Nigerians, respect the judicial system for the interest of peace and harmonious coexistence of the country,” Hayab began.

    The cleric added: “Nigerians must not allow themselves to be used to divide the country, based on political differences, but unite and work with the person the court rules in his favour to lead the affairs of the land for development to thrive in Nigeria.

    “Politicians come and go but the country remains. Therefore, we must think inward and not allow some selfish individuals to put the country into confusion that could lead to chaos that can result in loss of lives and destruction of property, which could set the country backward, instead of consolidating Nigeria’s progress.”

    Hayab urged politicians and all Nigerians to accept the judgment of the tribunal, even if the judgment did not go according to their expectations

     

  • Zaria mosque collapse: CAN urges thorough investigation

    Zaria mosque collapse: CAN urges thorough investigation

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the federal and Kaduna State governments to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse of a section of the historic Zaria Central Mosque.

    The CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a condolence message to the Zaria Muslim community.

    In the statement he issued in Abuja, Okoh said that the investigation would help in preventing such an incident in the future.

    He urged governments to ensure safety in all places of worship across the country.

    Okoh expressed sympathy with the Muslim community and Kaduna State Government on the loss of lives following the collapse.

    According to him, the CAN received with shock, news of demise of some worshippers due to the incident.

    He prayed God to comfort the bereaved families.

    ”We also extend our thoughts and prayers to the 25 individuals who sustained injuries and pray for their quick and complete recovery,” Okoh said.

    The CAN president commended the swift response of emergency management agencies to the incident.

    He called on religious leaders to deepen interfaith dialogue and understanding.

    “We can build a society where all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliations, can practice their faith freely and peacefully.

    At least eight persons lost their lives and some others got injured on Friday when a section of the mosque collapsed.

     

  • CAN urges Tinubu to alleviate the hardship faced by already burdened masses

    CAN urges Tinubu to alleviate the hardship faced by already burdened masses

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has noted that the hike in fuel price caused by fuel subsidy removal has placed enormous burden on Nigerians.

    The Christian body, therefore, asked the Federal Government to quickly alleviate the hardship faced by already burdened masses.

    CAN made this comment via a statement signed and released by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh who said though the removal of fuel subsidy had become inevitable if the Nigerian economy is to experience sustainable growth, it must be done in a way that Nigerians won’t be subjected to untold hardship.

     

    “Against the backdrop of the recent unprecedented hikes in fuel prices and alarming inflation, the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria wishes to express its deepest concerns over the hardships faced by Nigerians, and calls for immediate steps to prevailing mitigate the situation.

    “While Nigerians were trying to adjust to the initial increase in the fuel price to N540 and its consequential effect on the cost of transportation, food, goods and services, and the general cost of living, another hike alluded tomarket forces took the price to N617,” he said.

    “This has placed enormous burden on the already struggling masses, further widening the gap between the rich and the poor and drastically eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens, and making it extremely difficult for them to afford the basic necessities of life. The situation is just unbearable for millions of Nigerians who were already suffering poverty.”

    CAN called on President Bola Tinubu government to look for means to “alleviate rather than exacerbate the existing poverty level and hardships of Nigerians”.

    According to the Christian body, the government should focus the economy, reducing dependency on volatile commodities, and promoting investments in sectors.

     

     

  • CAN condemns attack on worship centre

    CAN condemns attack on worship centre

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has condemned the recent attack on the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Ogun and commiserated with the Salvation Army in Edo.

    Recalled that on June 2 gunmen attacked the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parish in Abule-Ori, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun, killing the pastor and abducting seven members of the church.

    12 pastors of Salvation Army, a baby and a driver died in an accident on the same day, near Benin City, Edo.

    This is contained in a message by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that the Leadership of CAN received the news of the tragic incidents with great shock.

    “We urge the various security agencies to increase vigilance on places of worship, during religious gatherings and provide adequate security measures for worshippers.

    “CAN urge citizens not to be discouraged by the recent losses but to continue to look up to God for help. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families and churches.

    The cleric said that the association stands with the Salvation Army during this very difficult time in prayer, asking that God will comfort them and ease their pain.

    He urged the government authorities to thoroughly investigate the accident at the church to prevent a repeat.

    “The attack on worshippers at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Ogun, is an assault on religious freedom in Nigeria.

    “We mourn the loss of the Pastor and condemn the kidnapping of worshippers who were simply exercising their religious freedom to worship,“he said.

    “We commend the security agencies for their swift response to the incident and call for intensified efforts to apprehend all the perpetrators,“he said.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: CAN felicitates with Muslims, appeals for peaceful co-existence

    Eid-el-Kabir: CAN felicitates with Muslims, appeals for peaceful co-existence

    The Bauchi State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in the state and urged the faithful to use the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir to pray for the peaceful co-existence among Nigerians and the development of the state in particular.

    The goodwill message was conveyed to Muslim faithfuls via a statement signed and delivered by the state chairman, Reverend Dr Abraham Damina Dimeus.

    The body congratulated the state governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and other Muslim faithful in the state, expressing the hope that their sacrifices will restore the much-desired peace and unity in the state.

    The CAN chairman stated that the state and its people could enjoy peace, growth and development only when there is the security of lives and properties and called on Muslims to use the festival to continue fervently in prayers for an end to insecurity and for the peace of the state.

    “On behalf of the entire Christendom in the state, I congratulate the Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir and millions of Muslim Ummah as you celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir during which sacrifices are offered to Allah,” Rev Dimeus stated.

    The clergyman also appealed to all residents of the state to continue to offer prayers for bumper harvests at the end of the current farming season.

    While commending Governor Mohammed for giving everyone in the state a sense of belonging, irrespective of their religion and political differences, the CAN chairman appealed to the governor on the need for a new Christian cemetery and completing the association’s multipurpose secretariat in the state.

  • Allow judiciary to do its work, NIREC begs politicians

    Allow judiciary to do its work, NIREC begs politicians

    …divisive comments giving credence to the supremacy of one religion should be jettisoned

    Apparently disturbed by the ugly trend occasioned by the hate speeches before and after the 2023 elections, the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has begged Nigerians particularly politicians to allow the judiciary to do its job.

    NIREC under the leadership of the Co-
    Chairmen, His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for
    Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) is disturbed by the ugly trend occasioned by the hate
    speeches before and after the 2023 elections.
    NIREC in a statement signed by its leaders noted that:”Weaponizing religion for selfish political gains is capable of causing religious conflict in Nigeria. NIREC therefore condemns in strongest terms the statements that give the impression that one religion
    is superior to the other. NIREC affirms that Nigeria is a multi-religious state under God.

    “NIREC condemns statements that give the impression of religious dominance
    and superiority in the country. We wish however that every Nigerian could be a true Christian or a true Muslim as that would promote the religious values that could transform the nation.

    “Given that most politicians in Nigeria practice one religion or the other, the Christian and Muslim politicians should proclaim the fear and love of God by caring for the common good and welfare of the citizens.

    “NIREC calls on religious leaders to resist political manipulation of religion
    that could lead to anarchy. We condemn the antics of politicians whose main goal is to achieve their political interest by whatever means possible including using religion as a cover. NIREC calls on our political leaders to use their platforms to sue for peace, unity and harmony while also refraining from making statements or comments that are capable of aggravating the already heated polity in the nation.

    “NIREC calls upon all Politicians to play politics with the fear of God, dignity, honour and decorum by eschewing the politics of division and sectionalism.

    The Council appeals to the general public to note that the elections are over and various cases are in court challenging the outcome and must therefore give the judiciary the opportunity to do its work.

    “Nigerians must continue to be patriotic, law-abiding and peace-loving and must oppose all acts of machinations and
    manipulations by leaders who are using religion to tear the nation apart. Let us pray for a nation that will continue to promote justice and peaceful co-existence.

    “The task of building a prosperous Nigeria is the task of every citizen. God bless the Federal
    Republic of Nigeria!

    His Eminence Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni
    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General,
    Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)
    CO-CHAIRMAN
    His Eminence Most Rev. Daniel Okoh
    President, Christian Association of
    Nigeria (CAN)
    CO-CHAIRMAN

  • 10th NASS leadership must not be divisive tool – CAN

    10th NASS leadership must not be divisive tool – CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna State Chapter, has advised the incoming Leadership of the 10th National Assembly (NASS) not to be a divisive tool.

    The Chairman CAN, Kaduna state, Rev. John Hayab gave the advice in a statement on Monday in Kaduna.

    Hayab said he had been following the development in the leadership race for the 10th national assembly with dismay and wished to counsel all interested persons not to allow their quest to divide Nigerians along ethnic, regional, or religious lines.

    He explained that CAN believed that Nigeria’s elected representatives, both from the upper and lower chambers, were politically matured and responsible enough to do what would make Nigeria great by choosing competent leaders.

    However, some inciting messages now going round could create unnecessary tension and disunity among Nigerians.

    “CAN as a body has earlier advocated for fairness before the general elections and believes strongly that a fair and just Nigeria is beneficial to Nigeria’s unity and growth.

    “CAN, therefore, appeals to the political class to discontinue any action that can  further divide Nigerians, rather, the elected representatives need to promote matters that can support the citizenry to attain the goals of a unified nation.”

    He said those who eventually became leaders of the national assembly must be lawmakers who would guide their colleagues to make laws for the common good of the country, not as representatives of their regional or religious enclaves.

    According to him, to attain a cohesive nation, CAN will pray and work for the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria and speak truth to power.

    “CAN strongly appeals to the political class to consider the entire country as their most important constituency, instead of promoting primordial sentiments,” Hayab said.

  • NASS: CAN reacts to Shettima’s comments on Islamisation

    NASS: CAN reacts to Shettima’s comments on Islamisation

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to comments by Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima regarding the leadership of the 10th National Assembly (NASS).

    Recall the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had met to consider the outcome of consultations with President-elect Bola Tinubu and others.

    The preference for the top seats in the Red Chamber are Senator Godswill Akpabio (South South – Akwa Ibom), Senate President; Senator Barau Jubrin (North West – Kano), Deputy Senate President.

    For the House of Representatives, the APC settled for Hon. Abass Tajudeen (North West – Kaduna); Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ben Kalu (South East – Abia).

    At a meeting with some House of Representatives members-elect last Friday, Shettima advised aggrieved candidates and their supporters to accept the party’s zoning arrangement.

    The former Borno Central Senator said a scenario where the top four offices in Nigeria are occupied by Muslims would fuel the fears over an alleged plot to Islamise the nation.

    “What we are trying to avoid is a situation whereby the number one citizen, number two citizen, the number three citizen, and the number four citizen are all of the same faith.

    “That will lend credence, and validate the negative narrative of the Islamisation agenda of Nigeria. The stability of the nation is much more important than any other consideration,” the former governor said.

    Speaking with an online newspaper, Kaduna State CAN Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, stated that political leaders were engaging in hypocrisy and what favours them.

    The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) Country Director reminded the public of how the body kicked against the same-faith ticket ahead of the presidential election.

    “When we see danger, we must say it. We gave the warning then, but they said ‘It’s okay, religion doesn’t matter’. Hypocrisy is a big problem in Nigeria.

    “If they like, let them have it all. But if we later have another religion, one tribe or one region holding all the top positions, no one should complain.

    “What we do is promote a united country where there is fairness and justice, yet they accuse us for telling the truth. We will watch what they want to do.

    “This hypocrisy cannot last long. From the look of things, their argument has become logic. If they believe there should be togetherness, let them do what is right.”

    Rev. Hayab also knocked Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Wase for their pronouncements on the NASS leadership saga.

    “Before the election, Kalu said there’s nothing wrong with the APC ticket. Now, he is complaining because that position (Senate Presidency) is not going his way.

    “The current deputy speaker (Wase) too stated that it is his turn. You can see how they are treating the issue like a game. It is very sad.

    “Political leaders should stop playing on our intelligence. I urge Nigerians to open their eyes and see what’s going on,” the clergyman added.

    (Daily Post)

  • Gov. Okowa inaugurates Delta Ecumenical Centre

    Gov. Okowa inaugurates Delta Ecumenical Centre

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Friday inaugurated the 2,000 seating capacity ecumenical centre for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) built by the state government in Asaba.

    The governor, while addressing the congregation, described the centre as a symbol of unity for the church of Christ in the state.

    He urged Christians to remain prayerful so that the glory of God would continue to manifest in their lives, the state and the nation at large.

    According to him, Delta is a Christian state and the church must stay prayerful to ensure that the glory of God continues to manifest upon the people and the state.

    He expressed appreciation to religious leaders in the state for the support they gave his administration in the last eight years.

    Okowa urged religious leaders to extend the same support and prayers to the incoming administration of Chief Sheriff Oborevwori.

    “This state is a Christian state no doubt. We must stay prayerful,

    “The church must stay prayerful to ensure that the glory of God continues to manifest upon us as a people and as a state.

    “I must appreciate all our fathers of faith for the support that you have given this administration in the last eight years.

    “I pray that you extend this same support and your prayer to the incoming administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,”  Okowa said.

    On the CAN Secretariat Complex, Okowa  said that it was important for Christians in the state to have a place where they could meet, a place where they could call their own and a place that would truly unite them.

    “I know that we are all Christians but there are various blocs but this (the Secretariat) is the symbol of unity of the church of Christ.

    “We thank God for the successful execution of this project,” he said.

    The governor congratulated the Ministry of Housing; the Consultant, Contemporary Design Associates and the Contractor, North China Construction Company for eventually and successfully delivering the project.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing, Chief Festus Ochonogor said the project, a two-storey building, was approved in March, 2019.

    According to him, it has 2,000 capacity auditorium with mezzanine suspended floor, conference room, chairman’s office, dressing areas, sound and studio room, offices, conveniences, generator, generator house, gate house and other auxiliary facilities.

    He said the commitment of the state government to the actualisation of the project showed the importance of the association to the administration of Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Delta State Chairman of CAN, Senior Apostle Sylvester Okorote, expressed appreciation to God for what He had done in the state.

    He thanked Gov. Okowa for finishing the CAN secretariat complex.

    According to Okorote who gave a historical background of the project, the edifice was solely executed by state government without any bloc of CAN contributing a dime to the project.

    Special prayers were offered for Gov. Okowa; the governor-elect, Sheriff Oborevwori and the state government at the well-attended ceremony.

  • Just In: Ex-Prelate of Methodist church, Sunday Mbang is dead

    Just In: Ex-Prelate of Methodist church, Sunday Mbang is dead

    A former Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Mbang has passed on at the age of 86.

    The first President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of Methodist Church extraction, according to family sources, died Tuesday night in his sleep after a brief illness.

    Details to follow…