CAN Berates FG over insecurity
The National President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Supo Ayokunle, has berated the federal government over the prevalent killings and bloodshed across Nigeria.
He declared that the wave of killings and bloodshed across Nigeria has been unprecedented in the nation’s history.
He also lamented that mindless killings have continued with impunity and lack of concern from government who should protect the people.
Ayokunle who is also the president of Nigerian Baptist Convention spoke in Sagamu while delivering his sermon at the 13th annual New Year Thanksgiving and Memorial service organised by former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
The event, which was held at the Abraham’s Tabernacle, Sagamu, was graced by prominent traditional rulers, political bigwigs and eminent personalities.
Ayokunle decried the prevalent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some parts of the country.
The CAN president noted that without peace, the nation will not experience any progress and development.
He warned against the politicization of the killings, urging Nigerians to close ranks and prevail on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to do the needful.
He said, “Things are not working in the best way we have thought of. This is a very difficult time in the history of Nigeria, especially the continuous bloodshed. Communities decimated and human beings killed like chicken.
“The way it is happening now, it has almost not happened before. It is so barbaric, so unbelievable that in a nation with government, things like that will continue to happen with reckless abandon. It is so unacceptable.
“We have been speaking about it. It is not a matter of politics; you don’t play politics with the lives of human beings. We have no other life to live. So, all of you (Nigerians) have to be praying that our government is going to do the best and what is right so that this nation can experience peace because without peace, there won’t be progress.”
While making reference to the comments credited to United States President Donald Trump about Nigeria’s situation, Ayokunle declared that “it is only a bad government that can allow this” level of killings and destruction of communities.
The CAN president urged politicians to respect and heed the admonition of clergymen.
He said, “We (clergymen) are the conscience of the nation. Politicians need to humble themselves when we speak to them. It is because we look for the good of this nation. Not everything we say to you, you will want to hear. Not everything will be palatable but we are responsible to God and to all these people, we are accountable.
“The life of every individual is very important. And God has created each person to live his life to His glory. Nobody can give life and nobody has the right to take it. Therefore, beloved people of God, let us say no to the evil in our midst. It is not a matter of politics. It is happening to some people now, who knows the next person? I pray that evil will not swallow us up.”
Ayokunle, who noted that yesterday (Sunday) marked the end of the one-week national prayer declared by CAN, appealed to Christians to contribute to the association’s relief fund for victims of ethno-religious crises.
In his remarks, Daniel said his experience during the campaign for national chairmanship of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had further opened him to different perspectives of the challenges confronting the country.
The former governor, however, pointed out that Nigerians must have the spirit of thanksgiving irrespective of the prevailing challenges.
Notable among the dignitaries are Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Sir Kensington Adebutu, Dr Onaolapo Soleye, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and Erelu Abiola Dosunmu.
Also present were Senator Solomon Adeola, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, Prince Rotimi Paseda, Alhaja Salmot Badru, Hon. Titi Oseni, Hon. Kayode Amusan, Engr Seyi Makinde, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi and Dr Eddy Olafeso.
Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta
