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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The 19 northern states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari and members of the National Assembly to stop living in self denial as the country is on the verge of collapse due to insecurity spike.
Addressing a press conference, yesterday, in Kaduna, Secretary General of Northern CAN, Elder Sunday Oibe, tasked President Buhari to rise and live up to his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property of citizens.
“Nigeria is under siege by terrorists who are unleashing mayhem on the citizens and crippling economic and social activities across the country, particularly in states like Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto and even Abuja, the seat of power.
“The continuous brazen and commando-like style, with which these terrorists operate unchallenged, even to the extent of issuing a threat to kidnap the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is worrisome. Northern CAN, hereby, calls on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to stop living in denial. Nigeria is on the verge of collapse, therefore, urgent and proactive steps must be taken to safe the situation. No where is safe!
“Once again, we call on President Buhari to rise to the occasion, by living up to his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property of citizens and defending the sovereignty of Nigeria. We urge all well meaning Nigerians to unite and pray fervently for the country and for the defeat of the enemies of the Nigerian state.”
It restated its rejection to the All Progressives Party (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2023 presidential election saying it was capable of dividing Christians and Muslims along religions lines.
“We reaffirm our stand against the idea of a Muslim- Muslim ticket in a multi-religious and multi cultural society like Nigeria, particularly considering the fact that the country has never been this divided along religion and ethnic lines before. Northern CAN wants to use this medium to call on politicians and political parties to be wary of those who might sneak to meet them secretly like Nicodemus in the name of Christian leaders from the north, with the sole aim of wetting their political appetite and desperation for monetary gains.
“Northern CAN, as a reputable religious organisation, will never engage in any secret dealing with any politician as a matter of policy.
“However, our doors are open to any Nigerian who desire to share with us, ideas on moving the country forward. Northern CAN, like many individuals and groups, is deeply concerned about the helpless security situation in the country,” Oibe said.
He congratulated the newly elected National President of CAN, Rev. Daniel Oko and his deputy, Rev. Stephen Panyam.
“We encourage them to stand firm like Joshua in the Bible in this difficult times to be the real voice for the church in Nigeria. We pledge our unalloyed support in all areas to help them succeed,” he said.
