Members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to face the increasing insecurity across the country and find lasting solution fast.
Addressing reporters yesterday at CAN secretariat in Kaduna, Secretary General of Northern CAN, Elder Sunday Oibe, said: “Northern CAN hereby calls on President 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. Nowhere is safe!
“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.
“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.”
On the 2023 general election, Oibe said: “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 religious 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 Nichodeamus in the name of Christian leaders from the North, with the sole aim of wetting their political apatite 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.”