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…Commends President for exclusivity
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has commended the President Bola Tinubu/Kashim Shettima-led administration for taking deliberate steps towards ensuring the inclusivity of all Nigerians.
Executive Secretary of the commission, Reverend Yakubu Pam, who made the commendation also urged the administration to continue taking such steps in the national interest.
Assessing the administration’s first 100 days in office, Reverend Pam equally applauded President Tinubu for diffusing campaign tensions, starting with politicians who aroused fears that persecution of Christians would begin once the duo wins.
He spoke in Abuja at the weekend, disclosing that he visited the Presidential Villa last week, to express appreciation to President Tinubu-led administration’s excellent support for NCPC which is Nigeria’s sole facilitator of Christian pilgrimage.
“Last week, we briefed Mr President on the activities and mandate of NCPC and plans for Christian pilgrimages to Israel, Rome, Jordan and Greece; it is an opportunity for hundreds of Christians to have prayer retreats and we are immensely appreciative of this administration’s unwavering support.
“Many will recall that during the electioneering period few months ago, some politicians stirred up dangerous sentiments and apprehensions by alleging that Nigeria was about to be converted to one religion but we thank God that this administration embraces all,” he stated.
According to Reverend Pam who is also Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) North Central Zone which comprises Plateau State, Nassarawa State, Benue State, Niger State, Kogi State, Kwara State and FCT, the aggressive use of disinformation and misinformation against Nigeria’s political leadership is a potent threat against democracy, unity and peace.
He pointed out that Nigeria faces numerous challenges in its bid towards actualising genuine populist developmental goals of the current administration.
Pam equally emphasised that Nigeria’s politicians and their supporters must rise above dangerous propaganda and the dissemination of mischievous information that threaten national unity, peace, and progress.
He also disclosed plans to organise a ‘Peace Walk’ that would enable those that believe in the peace and unity of Nigeria to send a potent message to adherents of all religions about collective resolve to support all efforts aimed towards the actualization and sustenance of peace nationwide.
He further stressed the; “need to overcome hate and embrace peace and forgiveness. As a Christian, I have chosen to forgive mischief makers who made unjustified allegations against me and tried to rubbish my personal sacrifice towards the election of President Tinubu by false claims that I was anti-Tinubu.
“I have chosen the path of forgiveness,” Reverend Pam stated with conviction, emphasising the values of reconciliation, compassion, and understanding.
Quoting the Holy Bible, he referenced verses that emphasize the power of forgiveness, pointing out that all Nigerians must embrace this teaching as a foundation for fostering unity and harmony.
While urging politicians to eschew divisive tactics and focus on the collective goal of national progress, he confirmed that Nigeria Police, through its Force Criminal Investigation Department, had formally written to his lawyers about the lack of substance in malicious allegations concocted against him by two faceless persons and their unregistered organizations.
