Follow Us on Google
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Christian leaders in northern Nigeria have maintained that the Christian communities in the region are under serious threat, stressing that lots of christian communities have been destroyed, while members are either killed or displaced.
This was contrary to the position of some federal government officials in response to the claims of some US lawmakers that there’s ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Rev. John Hayab, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and FCT, restated this at an award ceremony and public lecture on response of the Church to the menace of insecurity in the country held in Abuja.
The event which was organised by the FCT chapter of CAN provided the opportunity for christian leaders to assess the security and safety of their members and also device a means of offering protection and care for the christian communities especially those in the troubled states in northern Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Northern CAN Chairman said, “we must speak for the faith. We must defend our people even when we have been misunderstood. Sometimes, some people can deliberately twist stories. But if you have a testimony, don’t worry about what they say.
“Those who know you yesterday will know you are the same today. Because our Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So I appreciate this award, and I dedicate it to the entire Christians of Northern Nigeria who have suffered and have been killed. But some people want us to say there is no killing.
“But there is mass killing of Christians in northern Nigeria. And we must stop the killing. If the killing is stopped, our country will be at peace. If you respect me, I respect you. That’s how we should be. But you don’t tell me that you beat me and you don’t want me to cry so that someone will not be angry. If the person is angry, he should stop killing me.”
Other News
“Let me thank the FCT CAN and all other faithfuls for this honour. My life has been full of drama, especially about CAN. I think this is my second honour by CAN. When CAN celebrated 45, I was among those who were given an award. And today, FCT CAN has called again.”
The Senior Pastor, Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Pastor Paul Enenche, in his charge, encouraged the church leaders to be mindful of the task and responsibility that God has given to them in the society.
He encouraged them to grow quality and useful relationships; endeavour to fulfil the purpose for which God created them; unleash their potentials by ensuring that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well; create a generational impact; and finally be ready for eternity at all time.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, in his remarks encouraged the Christian leaders in the FCT to support to efforts of the government to fix the socioeconomic destiny of Nigeria.
He assured them that the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to the religious freedom and independence of all Nigerians, appealing that they disregard the efforts of mischief makers targeted at causing disunity among Nigerians of different faith.
FCT CAN Chairman, Rev. Timothy Amakom, rallied members against any plot by the perceived enemies of the faith to destabilise the Association, which represents the Body of Christ in the FCT.
Meanwhile, the event also offered an opportunity to raise funds for the construction of a new secretariat building for the FCT Chapter of CAN.
Senior Pastor, Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Pastor Paul Enenche; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Mr. Steve Oronsaye; Ex CDS, Christopher Musa; Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. John Hayab; NCPC Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite; Senate Philip Aduda; Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, among others were given different awards for contributions to the growth and development of the Body of Christ in the FCT.
