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Tag: CAN

  • CAN demands justice for woman killed on alleged blasphemy

    CAN demands justice for woman killed on alleged blasphemy

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Kano State government and the inspector general of Police to bring to book those responsible for the alleged killing of a Christian woman in the city.

    CAN said it was deeply sad by the news of the “release without trial of the five suspects accused of killing a 74-year-old Christian woman in Kano, Mrs.  Bridget Agbahime”.

    She was murdered sometime in June.

    A statement in Abuja by CAN’s Director Legal and Public Affairs Kwamkur Samuel said: “This is a highly provocative and insulting act on our collective sensitivities as a democratic nation, if newspaper reports are correct.

    “The association condemns the continuous act of killing of innocent Nigerians under the pretence of blasphemy and considers the wilful absence of justice for victims of these mindless killings in Nigeria by relevant authorities as a serious constitutional breach and security threat to our unity and collective survival as a nation.

    “The now-familiar tradition of avoidance to arrest or properly investigate and prosecute cases involving the deliberate killing of innocent Nigerians is evidence of a scripted plan to operate another nation within the Nigerian state and to deny justice to those who truly deserve justice.

    “The cardinal responsibility of government to protect life and property of citizens is sacrosanct and must not be sacrificed on the altar of religious convenience. As it stands today, there is no single prosecution record of any criminal who killed under the pretence of blasphemy in Nigeria despite the number of victims and incontrovertible facts showing that those killings were done in daylight and mostly by persons who live within the communities, where these heinous crimes were committed.”

    The association called on the state government and the IGP to execute justice on behalf of the victim

    “The act of condoning crass criminality in the name of blasphemy deserves greater attention and broader treatment in this era of transforming the mindset of the citizens to work toward progressive change.

    “CAN deeply sympathises with the family of the Kano victim over the rather very sad outcome of the case and assures that the pursuit of justice is a noble task of all well-meaning citizens working together toward a more decent and better society.

    “As the umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria, we will not relent in our effort to ensure that justice is served on the religiously intolerant and to ensure that all Nigerians are treated equally irrespective of their faith, social status and where they come from.”

  • Blasphemy killing: CAN accuses Judge of bias

    Blasphemy killing: CAN accuses Judge of bias

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja has condemned the discharge of five suspects arraigned over the killing of Mrs. Bridget Agbahime in Kano State for alleged blasphemy.

    It accused the judge of bias and called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami to call Kano State Attorney General to order.

    This, it said, is to ensure justice is served in the case.

    The five suspects are: Zubairu Abubakar, Musa Abdullahi, Dauda Ahmed, Abdullahi Abubakar and Abdulmumeen Mustapha.

    They were accused of killing 74 year-old, Mrs. Bridget Agbahime, an Imo indigene, on June 2, 2016 in Kofar Wambai Market in the state over alleged blasphemy.

    Spokesperson of the body, Rev. John Hayab, told newsmen in Kaduna that the judgement absolving the suspects of guilt has further dented the battered image of the judiciary.

    It blamed Kano Attorney General, who applied for a no-case plea, for the development.

    According to Hayab: “This action can only encourage people to take laws into their hands since evil is seen to be unpunished and many other groups will be tempted to harm or kill innocent citizens under any and every false guise since they can buy their freedom from the courts.”

    He assured CAN would not relent over the case despite the discharge of the suspects until justice is seen to have been done.

    He enjoined Christians and the general public to remain calm assuring that all avenues would be explored to ensure that justice is done.

  • Alleged N7bn Jonathan largesse: CAN leaders paid me N1m to keep quiet – Cleric

    Alleged N7bn Jonathan largesse: CAN leaders paid me N1m to keep quiet – Cleric

    •It is a fabrication – CAN President

    A Jos-based clergy, Pastor Kallamu Ali Dikwa, yesterday reignited the controversy over the alleged N7billion ‘donation’ to the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) by the Goodluck Jonathan campaign organization ahead of last year’s election.

    Dikwa said in Kaduna that he was offered N1million of the sum to ‘keep quiet’.

    He first blew open the allegation in 2015 when he claimed the money was given to CAN for the purpose of campaigning for the former president.

    Jonathan lost the election.

    However, CAN President Supo Ayokunle yesterday dismissed the allegation as a mere fabrication. Ayokunle was vice president to Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, who was CAN President.

    Ayokunle said he has never given anyone money since his assumption of office three months ago.

    Pastor Dikwa told reporters in Kaduna that he was not out to defame or embarrass anybody, but to let the world know that CAN as a body of Christ should shun illegal money.

    He said:”If, as religious body, CAN cannot stand for truth, then Nigeria will continue to grope in the dark. Buhari will never succeed in his fight against corruption if religious leaders can’t shun corruption.”

    Asked for proof of the disbursement of the money to CAN, he said, “I don’t have the documents on how the money was handed to CAN, but I have my confidants who were there then and documents on how it was shared.”

    He said a particular church was given N50m.

    He added, “I maintain my position on the N7b campaign money that was given to CAN and about nine Toyota Jeeps which were shared and distributed among themselves.

    “On the 17th of March 2015, at the Department of State Security I was forced to write an undertaking that I will refrain from peddling such information.

    “This was prior to a letter written by CAN on 20th February, 2015 to DSS on ‘Complaint against Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa for false information, defamation of character and mischief likely to cause a breach of public peace’ which led to my arrest and torture for about nine hours by DSS.

    “It was after my detention that I wrote to ICPC and EFCC complaining about what I was going through and the need for their necessary action. EFCC responded to me through a text message by one Mr. Ola Oji, Abuja office in December last year: ‘Please be informed that we have vetted your petition to the commission and found it to be civil. Consequently, we decline investigation into same. You may wish to file an action in Court against the subject please.’

    “I went to court to challenge my arrest and torture. While the court case was going on, CAN leadership offered me some monetary enticement of N1m in order to withdraw the petition and the matter in court through my bank details. I did that to trap them and to prove the authentication of what is going on.

    “It is on record that on 21st of September 2016, CAN through its lawyer  texted me a piece through my mobile line to copy and write to ICPC as my opinion.”

    Meanwhile, CAN President, in a telephone interview said, “I don’t know any Dikwa. I have never met any Dikwa in my life. I came on board three months ago and I have never given out any money to any individual. That must be a fabrication.

    “He’s not in CAN. This is not the first time he will be making such allegation. He’s looking for people he would get money from. People like me will never do anything like that.

    “I have never seen his face though I do read some of his allegations. He’s not somebody of integrity. I’m aware he’s a convert. He’s been sending me text messages but I can never associate with such people.”

    Dikwa claimed to have been working with CAN since 2004.

     

  • Chibok: CAN hails Fed Govt for rescuing girls

    Chibok: CAN hails Fed Govt for rescuing girls

    The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday praised the Federal Government for rescuing 21 of the kidnapped Chibok school girls from the captivity of Boko Haram sect.

    CAN President Rev Samson Ayokunle described the development as great and pleasant and assured the Federal Government of CAN’s prayers to ensure release of the remaining girls.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Oladeji, he said: “It is one of the best news we have received this year. Let the government be aware that CAN is with it in prayer in getting the rest of the girls released and that they should leave no stone unturned in getting the rest that are still alive released,” he said.

    The Christian body added: “CAN rejoices with parents of the released girls and we are still praying the parents of the remaining girls would soon be reunited with their own soon in Jesus name”.

    CAN appealed to those holding the rest of the girl’s captive to release them “because the Lord is God of freedom, not captivity”.

    Ayokunle also urged the Federal Government not to just release the girls back to their parents but to organise a special rehabilitation programme in collaboration with CAN, for their full re-integration into the society.

    CAN said: “We ask the Federal Government not only to secure their freedom and release them to their parents but to set up a special rehabilitation programme in collaboration with CAN for the girls that would cover their full re-integration into the society”.

    The leadership of the CAN explained that its involvement in the rehabilitation programme is imperative because “their innocence and beliefs might have been compromised by the satanic and strange indoctrination of their captors and this is where CAN will play a prominent role since they are our children.”

    The statement called on the Federal Government to provide free education at all levels to every one of them as part of the integration programme and compensation for the unprecedented trauma and ordeals they suffered from their captors.

    According to him, “securing their future through free education to tertiary level should be part of the integration programme. It is to compensate for the past failure of government in allowing the girls to be kidnapped and kept in incarceration for too long”.

  • World Peace Day: CAN urges training for security operatives

    President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, has advised the Federal Government to further train and empower security operatives.

    The cleric spoke during the celebration of United Nations (UN) International Peace Day organised in Abuja by the Association of Peace and Conflict Mediators in Nigeria.

    He said this was imperative to ensure

    peaceful co-existence across the nation.

    Ayokunle said: “The law enforcement agents should be more empowered and monitored to ensure they perform their duty. If people commit violence and they are not arrested, we give them another opportunity to commit another act of violence.

    “Some people kill in cold blood and the law enforcement agencies would arrest them. But we won’t hear anything thereafter. It is to aid and abet violence. If those who commit violence know that they will not go scot-free and they will pay dearly for it, then others will be deterred from committing the same crime.”

    The CAN chief hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for launching the Change Begins With Me campaign.

  • MURIC to CAN: show us secularism in the constitution

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has disagreed with the Christian Elders Forum (CEF) over the country’s religious nomenclature.

    The CEF differed with the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for describing the country as a multi-religious nation. They insisted that Nigeria is a secular country.

    MURIC challenged the Christian Elders to show Nigerians the word ‘secular’ in the constitution.

    A statement by its Director Prof Ishaq Akintola, said a secular country is one that does not recognise God or religion.

    The group said: “This is a country that recognises the existence of many faiths. Churches, mosques and shrines thrive in their thousands while the Federal and State governments give official recognition to the spiritual engagements of the followers of all creeds. To cap the edifice, the preamble of the Nigerian Constitution starts with the words, “We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having firmly and solemnly resolved to live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation under GOD…”

    “This is an indubitable rejection of secularism. So how secular is ‘secular’ Nigeria? It is sheer bunkum. We assert clearly, emphatically and unequivocally that Nigeria is a multi-religious nation.”

    MURIC affirmed that the Sultan Abubakar is right.

    The statement reads: “Nigeria is a multi-religious nation. By describing Nigeria as a secular country, CEF ploy is to sustain the colonial game of Christianisation of the Nigerian structure. They are simply defending the actions of the colonial master. Based on the strategic approach of all belligerent elements and oppressors, that attack is the best form of defence, it is now in the character of Nigerian Christian leaders to be constantly on the attack.

    “The truth is that the British colonialists had forcefully entrenched Christian way of life on Nigeria. A few examples will suffice. Whereas Friday was our day of rest since the advent of Islam in Nigeria in 1085, the colonial master who came 800 years later (in 1842) annulled Friday (like June 12) and changed it to Sunday. Shariah was prohibited while Christian common law was imposed on us till today.

    “Hijab, which was an integral part of school uniforms for female students, was outlawed. Islamic Studies was trivialised while Bible knowledge was prioritised. The Christian cross was forced on us as symbol for the hospitals. The church choir gown became the officially recognised academic gown used during ceremonies in universities. It is also used by lawyers and judges in the law courts. We can go on and on ad infinitum.

    “Christian elders complain that Muslims are now occupying certain posts but they ignore all other sensitive positions being occupied by Christians. Were they on sabbatical in the days of former President (Goodluck) Jonathan when General (Azubuike) Ihejirika was Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Dele Ezeobe was Chief of Naval Staff, Air Vice Marshall Alex Badeh was Chief of Air Staff? Were these people Muslims? Where were the Christian elders when all Jonathan’s ministers from the South west were Christians?”

    MURIC appealed to the Christian elders to allow their nomenclature to reflect in their actions and utterances, adding: “They should let the youths benefit from the wisdom of elders and not vice versa. We expect CEF to douse tension and not to heat up the polity. Nigeria has enough on its hands already and true patriotism demands that all hands be on deck to salvage the near-helpless situation. Let us squarely face the tangential and ignore the peripheral. Nigeria should be on our mind, not fishing for men or rabble-rousing.

    “MURIC salutes the Sultan of Sokoto for his self-control, unparalleled tolerance and robust appetite for moderation. We urge him to ignore all sorts of provocation and continue in his chosen path of statesmanship and responsible leadership.”

  • Northern pastors: we have not pulled out of CAN

    Northern pastors: we have not pulled out of CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday refuted reports that they pulled out of the mother body.

    Rev. Sunday Ibrahim, CAN’s financial secretary in the northern States, denied the reports while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

    Ibrahim, who is also the association’s secretary in Kaduna State, said there was no time the state chapters contemplated pulling out of the apex body.

    “We have raised some concerns about some developments at the national level and sought redress, but we never considered pulling out as an option,” he said.

    He emphasised that it was not the 19 northern states’ CAN that pulled out, but some Christian stakeholders in the region.

    “People should not confuse them with CAN in the 19 northern states and the FCT; we are part of CAN and will remain in CAN.

    “If you go through the publications, it said northern christians under the auspices of Concerned Christians of Nigeria (CCN) and Northern Nigerian Christians (NNC).

    “Northern CAN was not part of the press briefing.

    “As Christians and Nigerians, they have the right to air their views and opinions.

    “They are exercising their rights of freedom of speech and freedom of association,” he said.

    The official, however, urged the apex body to call aggrieved members to a roundtable to resolve pending disagreements.

    NAN reports that the CCN and the NNC had, at a press briefing on Sunday in Jos, announced their decision to pull out of the apex Christian body.

    The groups said they had adopted the pre-independence name of Northern Nigerian Christian Association (NNCA) following alleged political intrigues, travesty of justice and corruption in CAN.

    Rev. Luka Shehu of CCN and Peter Luka of NNC, at the press conference in Jos, accused CAN of neglecting northern Christians affected by insurgency in the Northeast.

    They alleged that the past CAN President, Ayo Oritsejafor, frustrated the candidacy of Rev. Jeremiah Gado of the TEKAN/ECWA bloc, to prevent the emergence of a northerner as CAN president.

     

     

  • The trouble with Northern CAN

    It seems to be that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in this dispensation, has arrogated to its northern chapter, a role of ignominy hitherto, played by others during the Jonathan administration.  It’s common knowledge that this organization, with a leadership that sometimes is not in talking terms with God is set to go on collision course with Nigerians.  Nearly all Nigerians support President Buhari’s war on corruption so Nigerians are serious about uprooting corruption in their nation.

    Recall that in the Vanguard online news of April 26, Northern CAN said Nigeria will slide into confusion if Jonathan was arrested.  Of course, Nigerians who are waiting for all those who looted their treasury to be brought to account were shocked that an organization that is affiliated to God, could utter such unrighteousness.  Why would they embark on such an unholy advocacy?  Should men and women not reap what they sow?  Isn’t that what the Bible prescribes?

    If Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), Chief Oliseh Metuh, Alex Badeh Akpobolokemi, etc., etc., are facing investigations and are being charged to court, why would Nigerians be confused if anyone, no matter how highly placed, suspected to have stolen public funds, is pulled in, if found culpable?  It leaves one with a clear pointer as to who is behind the continued misguided utterances of men who speak from the pockets of their sponsors and not through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

    It has further become clear that as the National CAN in the past, looked away from the stealing that went on under a supposedly Christian President, the Northern CAN, is now being used to castigate every action of the government of President Buhari.  Their meddlesomeness is becoming irritating.  They want to dictate who get appointed, and who should not be arrested if found culpable.  One wonders, what sort of people do we have in this association?

    I know President Buhari is not averse to criticisms, so a body such as CAN has a role to play in being the conscience of not just the Christians it represents, but also other Nigerians of good faith.  However, in playing that role, CAN should have all its facts so its criticisms can be constructive, sound, fair, just and believable.  The role some CAN members are playing now, am afraid, appears to be part of the work of the “National Association of Corruption Fighting Back.”

    The change mantra is being taken seriously by the President.  Consequently, he has adhered to the provisions of the constitution with regards to federal character.  Nowhere in our constitution is it stated that religion must be a criterion for appointing people to positions.  However, the following Northern Christians, excluding the inherited ones, were appointed by the government of President Buhari.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation,Engineer Babachir David Lawal; Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,Chief Audu Ogbe; Hon. Minister of Youths and Sports,Comrade Solomon Dalung; late Hon. Minister of State, Labour & Productivity, Barrister James Ocholi; Senior Special Assistant to the President onPolitical Matters, Hon. Gideon Sammani; Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters,Ayuba Birma; Special Assistant to the President on Social Events,Ayuba Balami; Personal Assistant to the President on Social Events,Mrs. Faith Pukuma; Senior Special Assistant to the President,Legal and Documentation, Prof. Adamu Usman; Administrator of Villa Chapel, Reverend Isaac Ambi; Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian PilgrimsCommission, Pastor Tor Uja and Managing Director, Nigeria Inland WaterwaysAuthority, Boss Mustapha.

    Not many southern Nigerians can work out the religion or tribes of most northerners as many names are common to both Christians and Moslems in the north, the same way many northerners assume that Okon Bassey and Pere Tamuno are Igbo men.  It therefore, behoves Northern CAN to assume the role of educating southerners with facts, with a view to allaying their anxiety occasioned by perceived marginalization.

    For every appointment made, there are probably a million others who are qualified too.  But only one can be appointed.  It’s therefore sad that if an appointee is a Christian who is not known to Northern CAN, his or her Christianity becomes a nullity and of no effect.  Could this be the fate of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and other Christian appointees?

    It’s obvious that the aim of all these misinformation is to divide a region perceived as President Buhari’s stronghold.  The role of an association such as CAN is not that of dividing the north along religious lines.  It should be that of uniting the whole country so Nigerians can collectively focus on building a strong nation where people experience equal opportunities irrespective of tribe, religion, etc.

    Again, one does not need a religion to do a good job.  All religions of the world encourage merit.  There are those who may not subscribe to any religion but can do a great job.  Should it not be of paramount concern to the Northern CAN that people who can do the job be appointed?  Should they not be holding to account those who are failing in their duties?  Should they not be solidly standing behind the righteous work of this government in fighting the capital sin of corruption?

    The CAN in Nigeria in the immediate past became controversial.  This led to the Catholic Church in Nigeria withdrawing its membership of the association.  The present utterances of the Northern Chapter of CAN show that they have not repented of their past.  They need to forsake their past transgressions and return to the scriptures.  That’s the only way they can find resurrection and maybe, those who left the association may then return.

     

    • Onochie writes from Abuja.

  • Southwest CAN chief calls for peace in Osun

    The Chairman, Southwest Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Magnus Atilade has called for reconciliation, peace and harmony between CAN and Muslim community in Osun State for development to be realised.

    Atilade, who gave the advice in a chat with Southwest Report in Lagos said all hands must be on deck so as to achieve peace in Osun State without which there would be no tangible development.

    The cleric praised the efforts of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in providing free food to all students in public schools, building of new schools, new roads and extension of new roads which are praiseworthy.

    He stressed that the church is not against the wearing of Hijab by Muslim girls because Catholic Rev. Sister wear it. He, however, said the school as an institution should promote uniformity which is why every school has a uniform to identify it.

    On all schools being public, he said: “The mission schools established by the missionaries and other private school proprietors were forcibly taken over by the state governments.

    “Ultimately our prayer is that the schools be returned to their original owners just as the former  Governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu did in Lagos.

    “It is evident that no government can conveniently run public institutions. Why should government insist on taking over of schools?

    “All over the world, no government,  be it capitalists, socialists or communists, has the sole responsibility of providing education for its people,” he said.

    He lamented the non-payment of salaries by 28 state governments, saying it is pertinent for government to hand over mission schools to their original owners.

  • Killings: Christians should defend themselves, says CAN

    Killings: Christians should defend themselves, says CAN

    … Urges Govt to bring perpetrators to justice

    The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) yesterday described the killing of Christians across some states especially the recent one in Abuja as brutal and unacceptable.

    CAN said: “authority’s inaction is becoming unbearable and may not be tolerated anymore.”

    It called on Christians all over to always be ready to defend themselves against further attacks.

    One of such attacks was the murder of a 42 year old Christian mother of seven children, Mrs. Eunice Elisha, who on Saturday July 9, 2016, was brutally killed while on Christian evangelism.

    Mrs. Elisha was murdered in Kubwa area of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in the early hours of the day.

    CAN advised authorities both at the states and federal level to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice before the crisis gets out of control.

    A statement issued in Abuja by the General Secretary CAN, Rev. Musa Asake: “The unprovoked attacks on Christians and the authority’s inaction is becoming unbearable and may not be tolerated anymore, inasmuch as we will continue to call on Christians to remain tolerant and law abiding, it is becoming inevitable to also call on them to buckle up and be ready to defend themselves against these incessant unprovoked and mindless attacks.

    “The National leadership and the entire members of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have received with rude shock and disbelief the report of yet another religious hatred murder of a dedicated 42 year old Christian mother of seven children, Mrs. Eunice Elisha, who on Saturday 9th July, 2016, was brutally killed while doing Christian evangelism.

    “Mrs. Eunice Elisha was murdered in Kubwa area of Abuja, FCT, in the early hours of the day. Her neck was slashed and she was also stabbed in the stomach. About a month ago in Kano, Mrs. Bridget Agbaheme, a 74 year old Christian was murdered at Wambai market due to an altercation with a Muslim man who came to the front of her shop to perform ablution. Her offence was that she objected to the Islamic washing rite in front of her shop.

    “Just last week a clergyman of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Reverend Zakariya was killed by attackers suspected to be Fulani Herdsmen in Obi LGA of Nasarawa state. They attacked him on his farm, cut off his arms and legs, then they chopped his head with a machete. Another fresh but sad news reaching us is that of the Fulani herdsmen militia that is back on rampage killing 81 people in multiple attacks in Logo and Ukum local government areas of Benue state in central Nigeria.

    “In recent times, there have been multiple cases of attacks by Fulani herdsmen on various Christian communities, all over the nation. In the South East and in the South South zones, there have been gruesome attacks on IPOB members and on Christian communities in the Niger Delta. All these are in addition to the relentless attacks of Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen in the Middle Belt and southern Borno.

    “The Christian Association of Nigeria commiserates with the families affected by these mindless orgies of death and destruction as well as with the entire Christian community in Nigeria. We pray that God in His mercy shall comfort and strengthen the families of all the Nigerians affected in these unwarranted murders unleashed upon the nation by religious extremists.

    “The recurring decimal of violence and murder of innocent Nigerian citizens on the basis of religious intolerance demands specific and relevant response from all concerned citizens in the country more so when the government in power seems to have adopted an attitude of lukewarm response to the evils being perpetrated in Nigeria in the name of religion.

    “The discrimination against non-Muslims in Nigeria under the Buhari Administration is assuming a dangerous dimension that should not be left to the vagaries of time and circumstance to resolve.

    “You will agree with me that with these happenings and the lukewarm attitude by the authorities concern toward putting an end to it, Nigeria is dancing a macabre dance of death, both for the nation and for its citizens. It is time to stop the beat and let common sense guide the nation out of the present quagmire. A stitch in time saves nine.

    “Before the situation escalates into an unmanageable national crisis, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is calling on the authorities both at the states and federal to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice if the confidence of Christians on this government must be maintained.”