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  • 2023 Elections: Real reasons we met Tinubu – CAN

    2023 Elections: Real reasons we met Tinubu – CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) has given reasons it met with the All Progressives Congres (APC) presidential Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday.

    CAN explained that the interactive session with Tinubu was to come together to review their understanding of the Nigerian crisis of development and governance and collectively find a lasting solution to it.

    The details of the meeting  was revealed  to pressmen by CAN President, His Eminence, Most Rev.Daniel Okoh.

    According to Okoh, CAN believes in one country and will continue to pray for its unity, peace and progress.

    Okoh added that the meeting also served as an avenue to look at a lot of things together thereby allowing them make suggestions and also proffer solutions in some cases.

    Okoh said that the organisation has consulted with Nigerians of diverse religious, ethnic and social identities on the country’s problems, and the solutions to them have been articulated in the strategic document, the Charter for Future Nigeria.

    The CAN leader noted that the charter for the country’s future starts with diagnosing its problem and locating it primarily. The organisation also released a policy document containing its expectations for politicians ahead of the elections.

    “This incoherence is the main reason that the country today is almost submerged in the chaos of insecurity, instability, and economic stagnation. The document considers this incoherence in political, social, and economic dimensions,” Okoh said during the interactive meeting with the presidential candidate of APC, Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday.

    “The document makes genuine recommendations for resolving Nigeria’s recurrent crises that border on justice and fairness, equality of all ethnic and religious groups, equal access to basic economic and social rights, political freedom and an egalitarian and just social order.”

    According to him, the well-being of every citizen of the country, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity or social pedigree, should be paramount in the agenda of politicians seeking public offices.

    Okoh said that it is a concern for the CAN that presidential and other candidates in various political positions understand the concerns of Christians in the country.

    Addressing the Christian body, the ruling party’s presidential candidate, Tinubu, said he believes all Nigerians are equal and are brothers and sisters, which means that no one is inherently inferior or superior to anyone else.

    He said anyone who thinks otherwise about the equality of the citizens regardless of faith, place of origin, or social status should not bother about becoming a President.

    He assured of a level playing field should he emerge the president of the country.

    On his decision to take a former Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima as his running mate, Tinubu said he did not choose him so that they could form a same-faith ticket, adding that the ticket was constructed as a same-progressive and people-based ideology ticket.

    “I offer a confession. I selected Senator Shettima thinking more about who would best help me govern,” he added.

    CAN is an Association of Christian Churches with distinct identities, recognizable Church structures and system of worship of one God in the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

  • CAN holds National Prayer Friday

    CAN holds National Prayer Friday

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has directed its states and local chapters, to hold national prayers for divine intervention in the affairs of Nigeria on Friday.

    This is contained in a statement signed by John Praise Daniel, Chairman, Local Organising Committee, National Prayer Day, of the CAN on Wednesday.

    CAN said that the prayers were also to implore God’s help in preventing violence, manipulation, intimidation of voters and other electoral crimes in the forthcoming elections.

    “We consider this imperative in view of the fact that our nation is passing through very challenging times at the moment despite its abundant natural, human, and material resources.

    “Nigeria is a vibrant and virile land that is full of colour, wealth and all that it would take to be one of the greatest nations on earth.

    “Sadly, the country has not yet reached where it should be at the moment due to some inherent problems,” the Christian body noted.

    It said Christian politicians, especially those vying for offices, all bloc, zonal, states and local chairmen, and all Church leaders, should mobilise their members nationwide for the programme.

    “We urge all and sundry to join the solemn assembly, in order to usher the country into a new era of peace, unity, safety and all-round prosperity.

    “May God use the programme to address the spiritual dimensions of the challenges plaguing the nation and frustrate every evil plan against the unity of the people,” CAN added.

    It said that the prayers in Abuja would hold at the National Christian Centre on Friday by 10:00 a.m.

  • 2023: Refrain from religious sentiments, vote for me – Tinubu to Christians

    2023: Refrain from religious sentiments, vote for me – Tinubu to Christians

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Christians in the country through the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to refrain from religious sentiment and vote for him in the 2023 presidential election, insisting that he is the best candidate to give Nigeria good leadership.

    This appeal was made on Sunday in Kano during an interface with CAN leadership led by the state chairman, Rev. Samuel Adeyemo.

    Jagaban as he’s fondly called spoke at Africa House, Government House, Kano, where he reminded the Christian leaders that he is married to a pastor, insisting that his decision for a Muslim-Muslim ticket was never to spite Christians but to ensure that he used the best political formula to win elections.

    “Thank you, everyone, here. Thank you, CAN. Thank you, Pastors. I am a unique Muslim because I am married to a Pastor. When I am at home, she is the boss.

    “I did not try to Islamise her. We have two bedside lamps, one with the Bible, and the other one with the Holy Quran. I have never seen the two Holy Books change their position or quarrel in the same bedroom.

    “We have a country to build. Me, I have an election to win. After winning my primary election, I didn’t look for the ballot papers to know whether those who voted were Muslim or Christian. All I needed was to win, and I won. When I won, I started dancing.

    “If you polarise Nigeria along religious lines, we will have bad leadership. We should not fight along religious lines. The way you pray for forgiveness as a Christian is the same way I pray for forgiveness as a Muslim.

    “I know you would not want to be an enemy to the winning team. I am a politician, I have a formula, and my formula is to win an election without rigging. I am a minority Muslim from Yoruba, how will I go and chose one Emmanuel from Sokoto…,” Tinubu said.

    In his remarks, Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended the Kano CAN leadership for honouring the invitation.

    “I thank Kano CAN for honouring this invitation…we have our presidential candidate and former Governor of Lagos state. You know the development in Lagos. Seeing is believing. Therefore, his own is that he is tested, and he can be trusted. His running-mate developed Borno State and the person he handed over to is doing well.

    “I am happy that you appreciate our candidate. I am happy that you have endorsed our candidate. So, we thank you for endorsing our candidate.”

    In his address, Rev. Adeyemo said they were at Government House at the invitation of Governor Ganduje, who he described as a detribalized leader.

    According to him, Kano has remained peaceful under Governor Ganduje, who sees all residents as indigenes of the state.

    He said, “CAN Kano has two key responsibilities—to be praying for peace in Kano and Nigeria. We also know that the APC presidential candidate will be doing a lot of traveling for his campaign, and we are praying for his safety.

    “We also urge Christians in the state to exercise their civic responsibility during the elections.”

  • CAN President’s home taken over by flood [VIDEO]

    CAN President’s home taken over by flood [VIDEO]

    The Ndoni home of the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Reverend Daniel Okoh in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has been taken over by flood.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports wife of Okoh, Ngozi disclosed this on Saturday, saying the whole community is submerged as well.

    “This is the home of the founder of my church and the home of the CAN President of Nigeria Christ Holy Church Int’l. The whole community are submerged. May God Almighty deliver us and set us free from this. Amen,” she wrote.

    Watch video below

     

    This is the home of the founder of my church and the home of the CAN President of Nigeria Christ Holy Church Int’l. The whole community are submerged.
    May God Almighty deliver us and set us free from this. Amen.
    #2022flood #flooddisaster #flooddamage #thankyoulord #Godhealourland #FloodVictims #inGodwetrust @classicmummy1

    Posted by Ngozi Okoh on Saturday, 15 October 2022

    Earlier, the CAN President had asked the federal government to set up and empower a presidential flood relief and rehabilitation committee to mobilise funds for victims of the recent flood that has ravaged parts of the country.

    In a statement, Okoh expressed deep concerns about the havoc that floods have wreaked around the country, especially as a huge number of people have been displaced and their homes, business places, thousands of acres of farmlands and worship centres submerged underwater for weeks.

    The Archbishop stressed that CAN is troubled that in the recent flooding incidents recorded in Anambra, two churches, Madonna Catholic Church, in Idemili Iyiowa Odekpe, and an Anglican Church at Obenani, collapsed because of the floodwaters currently pounding Ogbaru Local Government Area of state.

    “In the same breath, parishes of Christ Holy Church, particularly in Umueze Anam, Anambra West Local Government and its environs; St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ndoni, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the Rivers state as well as the branches of many other church denominations located in the swathes of land around the lower Niger River and the coastal states of our nation have been taken over by the worst deluge in living memory.

    “Also, in at least nine local government areas in Kogi State, namely: Kogi-Koto, Lokoja, Igalamela-Odolu, Bassa, Idah, Ibaji, Omala, Ajaokuta, and Ofu, the devastation caused by the flooding in over 160 communities may take several years to get over.

    “As a result of the flooding in Kogi, many travellers and traders are suffering serious collateral damages by being stranded around Lokoja and its surrounding districts, while truckers of perishable foodstuffs are on the verge of losing hundreds of millions of naira as their goods rot away even now that the nation is struggling to maintain food security.

    “Similarly, hundreds of distributors of refined petroleum products are trapped in a heavy traffic gridlock that reportedly stretches as far as 10 kilometres.

    “In our country where natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are remarkably rare, flooding is fast becoming the major source of worry because its effects are posing serious barriers to both the spiritual and material advancement of our people.

    “As citizens, we may not be used to responding to natural disasters of the magnitude that the country is witnessing presently, but we must not allow the experience to leave behind an indelible memory of horror and destruction”, the CAN President said.

    He, therefore, said “consequently, CAN urges the Federal Government to urgently set up and empower a Presidential Flood Relief and Rehabilitation Committee that will consist of eminent and wealthy Nigerians to mobilise financial assistance from both the public and private sectors for the victims of the flood disaster raging communities across the country.”

    Archbishop Okoh said such a presidential committee is necessary and timely at this point in Nigeria because the diligent intervention by all stakeholders will no doubt reduce the burden imposed by the natural disaster facing the country today

    The CAN President said the authorities should also make deliberate efforts by designing and implementing a permanent solution to the flood disaster which is steadily becoming a yearly occurrence in Nigeria.

    “We must further improve on our warning system, promote flood resilient buildings, construct buildings above flood levels and increase spending on the construction of flood defences.

    “Our people should be encouraged to planting of trees strategically while the authorities should stop at nothing to restore rivers to their natural courses and introducing water storage areas.

    “Apart from clearing the drainage, the government should also embark on public enlightenment about the responsibilities of citizens, which could help to reduce the impact of flooding,” he added.

  • What CAN said on release of 23 Abuja-Kaduna train attack victims

    What CAN said on release of 23 Abuja-Kaduna train attack victims

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has commended President Muhammadu Buhari and security agencies over the release of the Abuja-Kaduna train hostages.

    The association said the release of the remaining 23 train passengers taken hostage by Boko Haram terrorists was a huge relief to the nation.

    This is contained in a statement signed by CAN President, Daniel Okoh, made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

    “We applaud President Muhammadu Buhari for this development, which serves as a guide for the Federal Government’s fight against our shared national foe, insecurity.

    “The successful release of the last few hostages in accordance with the President’s earlier order, shows that the authorities have the political will to put an end to the reign of terror in some parts of the nation.

    “CAN also lauds the military and all other security and intelligence agencies for the successful conduct of the operation which led to the release of the hostages.

    “They have shown outstanding capabilities in recent times and the whole world will not fail to take note of their good efforts.”

    CAN stated that with the necessary support and adequate motivation, the security forces were capable of deploying world-class kinetic and non-kinetic processes towards accomplishing difficult military operations.

    “Therefore, the relief that came to the nation arising from the closure of the six-month captivity of the innocent train passengers must be sustained at all times.

    “We must not allow the return of the days when terrorists had a free hand to do as they wished to unsuspecting travellers.

    “Every Nigerian must be allowed to have peace, whether at home or on transit,” it added.

    The association appreciated the doggedness, resilience and hope which the 23 train victims maintained throughout the more than 190 days they spent in captivity.

    “We will continue to pray God Almighty to grant us lasting peace and security in the country”, it added.

  • Nigeria will be great despite challenges – CAN President

    Nigeria will be great despite challenges – CAN President

    Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria, and Co-chairman, Nigeria Interreligious Council, says Nigeria will be great if the citizens remain steadfast and prayerful in pursuing the Nigeria project.

    “Though we are still facing challenges, let us not give up,” Okoh said in his message to mark Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary on Saturday.

    He added that Nigeria has the potential to not only be great, but continue to lead Africa on the global stage.

    While urging Nigerians to pray fervently for the success of the 2023 elections, the CAN president advised the Federal Government to resolve the impasse with university lecturers, for the sake of young people whose future is at stake.

    “Let us continue to rely on the faithfulness of God as we continue to do the best we can to ensure justice and peace reign in our country.

    “I urge you to take the unpleasant experiences that have plagued our nation in the past as necessary lessons of life that will make us a stronger, better, and resilient nation on earth.

    “In the face of the hardships in our country, let us continue to exercise patience through perseverance as we bring all our challenges to God, trusting that He will reveal His righteousness and grant us justice in our times of distress,” he added.

    He said that CAN would continue to speak and stand up against injustice and work for peace in a constructive way.

    “As we march gallantly towards the next general elections, let us bear in mind that we have a stake in this country, and so refrain from engaging in acts that will destroy the fortunes and the prospects of this nation.

    “Rather than take up arms to kill each other and terrify innocent Nigerians, adults in this nation should take up their voters’ card and go to the polls.

    “We must resist any threat, strong or subtle, in whichever form to stop us from going out to vote on the day of elections,” Okoh emphasised.

    The CAN president also urged Nigerians to shun vote-buying.

    “Politicians who present some inducement to voters, especially on the polling day are not really interested in the welfare of the people.

    “I counsel you to look out for politicians who are genuine and who are sincere to provide the basics that will be the catalyst for economic growth and development,” he said.

    Okoh prayed God to rescue Nigeria from the hands of wicked people, grant peace to the country and help the people to love one another irrespective of religious and ethnic diversities.

  • Strike: CAN President wades into FG-ASUU impasse

    Strike: CAN President wades into FG-ASUU impasse

    President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Daniel Okoh called on the Federal Government and the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to end the seven-month strike.

    Okoh made the appeal on Sunday in his address during the interdenominational church service to mark the 62nd Independence Day at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.

    “I call on the Federal Government to do all that is necessary so that most of these youths will go back to the universities and engage with their studies. As it is often said that ‘idle minds are the devil’s workshop, idle lips are his mouthpiece,’” he said.

    Describing next year’s elections as one of Nigeria’s greatest tests, Okoh urged citizens of voting age to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card. He argued that politicians who hand out inducements to the electorate do not care for the nation or her people as they “disappear” afterwards.

    “The year 2023 is the year of our test as a nation. Rather than taking up arms to kill one another and terrifying innocent and ordinary Nigerians, adults in this nation should take up our voter’s cards and go to the polls,” he added.

    He urged all Nigerians to give the Independent National Electoral Commission all the support to enable it to succeed in its assignment.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said despite Nigeria’s troubled past and present, its future holds more peace and glory.

    “The future of Nigeria will be far more glorious, more peaceful than her past, and so it shall be for you too. Every year will be happier for you, more glorious, more prosperous and more peaceful, in Jesus’ name,” Osinbajo said in his address at the service.

    He added, “We stand at the gates of a new nation and we see its lights shining bright. The nation of God’s promises, a nation of opportunities, of equity and justice, a secure and prosperous nation, a nation of laws and righteousness.

    “Even if what we see today seems bleak, and dark, we are confident that God who owns the heavens and the earth will fulfil His promises concerning this nation.”

  • 2023 one valid chance to turn things around – CAN President

    2023 one valid chance to turn things around – CAN President

    President of the Christian Association Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh has said the 2023 general election is one valid chance that Nigerians have to turn around the fortunes of the country for good.

    Archbishop Okoh stated in his speech delivered at the second plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Orlu, Imo State.

    Okoh expressed concern over the spate of insecurity in the country, saying that the situation has diminished human life abysmally, stressing that the 2023 elections would give Nigerians the opportunity to turn the country around for the better.

    “The unprecedented spate of insecurity in our nation today, calls for serious concern. We have come to a point in our national history where the value of human life has diminished abysmally,” he said.

    While describing the killings as an aberration, Okoh told the Catholic Bishops that kidnapping for ransom had become a very lucrative criminal enterprise in Nigeria.

    He said, “As I was growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, children were not allowed to see dead bodies. But now, even the sensibilities of the children are no longer protected. All kinds of crime and wickedness are available almost for free on social media.

    “It is sad to note that those whose duty it is to guarantee the safety of our lives and properties appear to be helpless in the face of a real threat and advancing forces of darkness eclipsing the land.”

    Okoh described Nigeria as a country of great potential, adding, however, that the nation’s challenges over the years had been a lack of patriotic, visionary, and committed leadership.

    “This has become manifest in the brazen embezzlement of public funds, the entrenchment of bribery and corruption in almost every aspect of our public life, and the falling economic fortunes and joblessness among the youths that now confront us daily.

    “Impunity, executive recklessness and political brigandage are tearing our nation apart. As a result of the long closure of our Federal Universities, our nation suffers another bout of brain drain that is unprecedented. Nigerian lecturers are being absorbed in a rapid rate by Ivy League universities in the Western world,” he said.

    However, the CAN President stressed that despite all of these, the people should not lose hope.

    Okoh said, “The 2023 general election is one valid chance that we have to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria for good.”

  • Muslim-Muslim: CAN clears air on approval of same faith ticket

    Muslim-Muslim: CAN clears air on approval of same faith ticket

    The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) has distanced itself from reports that it reached an agreement with the All Progressives Congress, (APC) over the party’s  Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the presidential election in 2023.

    CAN posited that its position on the same faith ticket remains intact.

    There were speculations that CAN change its position on the same faith ticket after meeting with Tinubu and his campaign team.

    The Christian body has now described the story as thoughtless, malicious, and false, saying  that it  shouldn’t be taken seriously by anyone,

    CAN noted that it respects the rights of politicians and political parties to make decisions that affect their electoral fortunes.

    CAN further explained that although it is non-partisan it’s ready to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the country’s unity.

    In a statement by CAN’s President, Daniel Okoh, he said: “The attention of the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has been drawn to a media report titled, ‘How Tinubu met, resolved Muslim-Muslim ticket with CAN’, which claimed that the apex Christian body has changed its position regarding the same-faith ticket.

    “To say the least, the story is ridiculous, malicious, untrue and should be disregarded in its entirety by all reasonable members of the society.

    “For the records, CAN took a position against the same-faith ticket imbroglio under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle, its immediate past national president, and, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stands on that same position.”

  • 2023: CAN reacts to receiving financial inducement from Tinubu

    2023: CAN reacts to receiving financial inducement from Tinubu

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed as ridiculous, malicious and untrue, a media report claiming it received financial inducement from Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 elections.

    The association in its reaction to the report captioned, ‘How Tinubu met, resolved Muslim-Muslim ticket with CAN’, said the story should be disregarded in its entirety.

    The reaction by the Christian apex body is contained in a statement issued by Luminous Jannamike, Special Assistant on Media to the CAN President, on Monday in Abuja.

    CAN said it had not changed its earlier stand on Muslim-Muslim ticket, adding however that it respected the decision of political parties on issues that affect their electoral fortunes, so long as it was in accord with Nigeria’s Constitution and Electoral Act.

    “For the umpteenth time, CAN reiterates that it is non-partisan, but remains willing to partner with all leaders and other relevant stakeholders towards achieving unity, peace and progress in our nation.

    “Consequently, the umbrella Christian organisation cannot be antagonistic to any well-meaning political party or group as the nation warms up for a fresh round of elections in 2023 as claimed in the said report.”

    It condemned the attempt in the report to link it with the donation made by Tinubu during the 70th birthday of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, in Abuja.

    “The event was public and the friends of the celebrant and other good-spirited Nigerians donated to the building of The Kukah Centre.

    “Which is designed to be a veritable platform to propagate and promote the ideals of democracy and responsible leadership through research and intellectualism.”

    CAN explained that the donations went directly to The Kukah Centre, and has nothing to do with it.

    “It is therefore mischievous to insinuate it was a sort of bribe money for Christian leaders to make a u-turn on its stance against same-faith ticket.

    “As a faith-based organisation, CAN maintains that its conscience cannot be bought and its prophetic voice cannot be silenced with money.”

    It called on political parties and their candidates to put the nation first in their considerations and prepare to serve the people earnestly, with humility.