CAN will continue to work with the government if … – Ayokunle
Abuja – The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commended the Federal government for ordering the release of former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col.m Sambo Dasuki, and the leader of RevolutionNow Movement, Mr Omoyele Sowore.
The President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, expressed the view in a statement signed by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the CAN President, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ayokunle described the gesture as a Christmas gift to Nigerians and “ a New Dawn for our democracy”.
“We are very happy with the decision of the Federal Government to release the duo of former National Security Adviser (NSA) and the publisher of Saharareporters, Omoyele Sowore as mandated by the Federal High Court, Abuja.
”We appreciate the Attorney -General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice for his intervention and counsel.
“The action of the government is commendable and it is a New Dawn for Democracy.
”As long as the Federal Government continues to respect the rule of law and the Constitution, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) will continue to work with the government to ensure that there is peace and stability in the polity.
The birth of Jesus Christ is a great example of humility – Lawan
”We will not cease to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and his team for a successful tenure of office,” Ayokunle said.
He said Nigeria should be a
Release of Dasuki, Sowore excites lawyers, others
Three senior lawyers as well as the
Reacting to the release order on Tuesday, Dasuki’s lawyer, Mr Ahmed Raji, (SAN) gave thanks to God, President Mohammadu Buhari and Nigerians.
“We thank God Almighty; We thank God Almighty, and we thank God Almighty. We thank the President of our country, the Attorney- General of the Federation.
“We also thank the entire judiciary and all Nigerians. It is well with us. May God continue to be with all of us,” Raji said.
On his part, Mr Sebastian Hon, (SAN) called it a welcome development.
“Although belated, it is a welcome development. The continued detention of these fellows was detestable.
“The axiom is that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.
“This is a welcome sign that the world is a global village because the whole world was involved in seeking their release.”
Hon called for the release of others in similar situations, especially El Zak-Zaky.
Also reacting, Mr Mike Ozekhome (SAN), described the order for the release as salutary for democracy, respect for fundamental rights of the citizens and observance of rule of law.
“I am happy the government has finally seen what I saw in 2015, when I kicked against the incarceration of Dasuki.
“It is never too late to take corrective measures and make amends. There is nothing like something good happening at a bad time, jor something bad happening at a good time.”
He urged the government to extend the gesture to El Zak-Zaky, leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.
Also reacting, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), through its
Deputy Director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, said that it was a positive step by the government.
“We hope that this signals a change in direction in Nigeria toward greater openness so that citizens can effectively enjoy their constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms,” the statement said.
The Federal Government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation, on Tuesday in Abuja, ordered the Department of State Services, (DSS) to release the duo of Dasuki and Sowore.
