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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has ratified the selected of Most Rev. Daniel Okoh of the Christ Holy Church, also known as Nation’s Builders (Odozi-Obodo), as its new president.
He was ratified by 259 delegate-members from all five blocs of the Christian body for a five-year tenure.
He formally took over, yesterday, from Dr. Samson Ayokunle Olasupo, who bowed out after finishing his second three-year tenure in office.
The delegates also ratified the choice of vice presidents of the association for the next five years in line with the amended constitution of CAN.
The ratification took place in Abuja during the General Assembly meeting of CAN and other activities to mark the end of Olasupo’s tenure.
Okoh, in his acceptance speech, thanked CAN leaders for the confidence reposed in him by entrusting him with the five year mandate of leading the group.
“I am particularly delighted that my emergence was through a process that further demonstrated our understanding of the aims and objectives of CAN. My emergence as the substantive CAN President from one of the blocs, (OAIC), that never had a shot at the Presidency, attests to the commitment of the organisation to pull together the resources from various traditions of the Church of Christ in Nigeria for a more effective participation in Nation building. This is best described as equity in providence.
“As I assume the leadership of this ecumenical organisation, I am aware of the need to build on the foundation laid already by the past leaders of CAN. I am also aware of the need for CAN to respond appropriately to national issues and to continue to participate actively and effectively in Nation Building. We came in at the time that all of us in the Christian faith believe that some section of political leaders are not sensitive to the diverse nature of our population when certain decisions are being made. Many Christians feel and have the genuine fear that there is a deliberate plan to remove the Christian faith from the scheme of things and make us second-class citizens in our own country.
“This fear is genuine and was borne out of the recent happenings in our polity especially the issue of same faith ticket in one of the major political parties in Nigeria despite the caution raised by CAN since two years ago. Whatever happens, no matter how many times our sensibilities are insulted, we must resolve to continue to make positive impact on the political, economic and social systems of our dear nation,” he said.
