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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Against the backdrop of seemingly endless insecurity in the country, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and members of the National Assembly to as a matter fact stop living in denial that the country is at the verge of collapse over insecurity.
To this end, the Northern CAN charged 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 the country.
The Christian Association also affirmed its stand against the idea of a Muslim- Muslim ticket for the 2023 presidential election in a multi- religious and multi cultural society like Nigeria.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday at the CAN Secretariat in Kaduna, the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Elder Sunday Oibe noted that the Muslim-Muslim ticket introduced by the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) is capable of dividing Christians and Muslims along religious lines.
Elder Oibe said CAN and other well meaning Nigerians would have as well kicked against Christian-Christian ticket if any political party in the country had adopted such same faith ticket for the 2023 presidential election.
The CAN Scribe noted that the country has never been this divided along religion and ethnic lines before, but because of Muslim-Muslim ticket, division had crept in between the two major religions.
“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.
“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”. Elder Oibe said.
He however, used the occasion to congratulate the new leadership of National body of CAN.
“We congratulate the newly elected National President of CAN, Rev. Dr.Daniel Oko and his vice, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba 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 added.
