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Tag: Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

  • CAN holds prayer for safe return of 177 abducted worshippers in Kajuru

    CAN holds prayer for safe return of 177 abducted worshippers in Kajuru

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State held a special prayer session on Sunday for the safe return of 177 worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali community a week earlier.

    The event, hosted at Tawaliu Baptist Church in Maraban Kajuru, brought together Christian leaders from across Kaduna State and the northern region, as families of the abducted continued to await news of their loved ones.

    The victims, members of the Evangelical Church Winning All and the Cherubim and Seraphim churches, were seized during Sunday services when armed men invaded the community and forced congregants into nearby forests. While a few worshippers managed to escape, the majority remained in captivity.

    Speaking at the gathering, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, urged churches to strengthen security measures around places of worship.

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    “Prayer must be combined with vigilance,” Reverend Hayab said, stressing the need for basic internal security and monitoring arrangements to observe activities within and around church premises during services. He warned that unrestricted access to church grounds without situational awareness exposes worshippers to danger.

    Describing the security situation in Kajuru as deeply troubling, Reverend Hayab called the repeated attacks on communities and churches unacceptable, urging urgent collective action to protect worshippers and restore safety.

    “We have been praying and watching instead of watching and praying. The church must wake up,” he said, warning that faith must be accompanied by responsibility and preparedness.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of CAN in Kajuru Local Government Area, Reverend Enoch Kaura, said the prayer session was convened to seek God’s intervention for the safe return of the abducted worshippers and to pray for wisdom for government authorities and security agencies.

    Reverend Kaura condemned the abduction and criticised what he described as the initial denial of the incident by government authorities, saying it cast doubt on the accounts of victims, families, clergy, and eyewitnesses.

    He traced the roots of insecurity in Kajuru to the 1980s, noting that violence escalated in 2017 and 2018 during the Kasuwan Magani crisis, which culminated in the abduction and killing of the area’s paramount ruler.

    According to him, the Kurmin Wali abduction was not an isolated incident, recalling previous attacks on Buda Church where a pastor and some members were abducted, as well as the killing of a church member in Ugakala Maro last year.

    He added that since 2019, no fewer than eleven pastors and their wives had been killed, while several others were abducted, forcing many communities to abandon their homes.

    While acknowledging that the administration of Governor Uba Sani had recorded relative peace in parts of Kajuru, Reverend Kaura said lingering insecurity continued to prevent residents from fully returning to normal life, including harvesting their farm produce.

    He called on the government and security agencies to intensify operations in Kajuru and other vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks and ensure the rescue of all abducted worshippers.

    The prayer session was attended by the Kaduna State Chairman of CAN, Reverend Caleb Bawa Ma’aji, as well as bishops and clergy from various denominations.

  • CAN condemns ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Movie, calls for apology

    CAN condemns ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Movie, calls for apology

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has described the Nollywood film titled ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

    This position was contained in a statement signed by the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and made available to newsmen yesterday.

    A Very Dirty Christmas is a new Nigerian drama/thriller produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason. 

    The film was released in cinemas on December 16, 2025.

    CAN stated that Christmas is a sacred season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolises purity, peace, love, and redemption. 

    According to the association, associating such a holy celebration with the word “dirty” undermines its spiritual significance and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.

    While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom and artistic expression, CAN stressed that such freedom must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, particularly in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria. 

    The association noted that creativity should promote understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held religious beliefs.

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    The Christian body also expressed concern that a film with such a title passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny. It therefore called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, especially during the Christmas season.

    CAN further urged industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders, to take a firm stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.

    The association called on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take deliberate steps to ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with dignity. 

    CAN appealed to the film’s producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.

    CAN added that Nigeria is already grappling with serious moral and social challenges, warning that such a movie title could further deepen divisions and erode mutual respect among citizens.

  • Church without succession planning may die with its leader – Akinola

    Church without succession planning may die with its leader – Akinola

    After an impactful 21-year tenure as the General Overseer of Upper Room Baptist Church, headquartered in Ketu, Lagos, Pastor Oluleke Akinola voluntarily retired on December 31, 2024. His decision to step down follows the example set by his predecessor, Pastor Abiodun Longe, who retired in 2003. Pastor Akinola has handed over leadership to Pastor Rufus Dada, ensuring a seamless transition and continued growth for the church. In this exclusive interview with ADEOLA OGUNLADE, Pastor Akinola reflects on his journey, sharing insights into the highs and challenges of his ministry, the importance of mentorship and legacy-building, and why church leaders must prioritise intentional succession planning to safeguard the future of their ministries.

    Looking back to when you became the General Overseer of the Upper Room Baptist Church, how would you describe your initial feelings and expectations?

    Honestly, I never expected to become the General Overseer. There was no campaign, no electioneering, and I didn’t even see myself as qualified. When the announcement came, I was in shock and felt stuck. But I committed everything to God, and through His grace, I embraced the role. It wasn’t about my ability or intelligence but about surrendering to God’s guidance and purpose.

    Upper Room Baptist was founded by 17 families. You are not part of them but you emerged as the GO for 21 years. How were you able to manage the challenges?

    My emergence as GO then did not come easy as some people saw the position as their birthright. But it is important to state that the church started in 1987, and my wife joined the same year. I joined in 1990.  Most of the achievements made in the ministry before my emergence as the second GO of the church in 2003, I contributed immensely. However, what qualified me for that position was God and not my achievements in any way. There was a pastor that was in the church when I joined, and I saw him as qualified, and l would have rooted for him if he hadn’t left the church before my emergence. It was part of God’s arrangement as he had to leave for God’s plan to be fulfilled. We came to church on the 19th of July for prayers as part of the process of appointing a new GO after our former GO who just died last year retired at 63. I worked closely with him. On the 20th of July in 2003, an election took place and God has been speaking to me that the mantle for the next GO will rest on me.  I told God that if there is any opposition about my emergence, I will not accept it and to my surprise, the election held and nobody opposed my emergence. Today, those who did not want me then as their GO are now close friends. I discovered that some of them did not understand certain things. Some did not come back. But we are still in touch with them, and they have remained friends of the house. Upper Room membership now is not limited to just to those who attend the church. Some of those who have left are still considered part of the family even when they don’t attend service in the church again. They only come once in a while when we have special programmes. They are also in our WhatsApp group.

    Pastoring for over 21 years must have had its challenges. How did you manage conflicts and stabilise the church during your tenure?

    God gave me a special spirit and it is the spirit of humility. For 21 years, I ran an open-door policy. To see me, you don’t need an appointment. I answer every call and attend to members’ needs at very beck and call and that endeared the people to me. I don’t hold grudges. I have the lists of our members, both teenagers and call them at intervals and most times, they are often in shock when I personally call them. God gave the grace to respect everybody irrespective of their status. When I started, the church was not without conflicts. There were divisions and opposition. However, I focused on humility and respect for all. God granted me the ability to see and treat everyone equally. This helped foster unity and peace. I also committed completely to the mission, ensuring that every decision was made collectively for the betterment of the church. Even today, I make it a point to help solve their problems, whether spiritual, economic, or personal. This endeared the people to me and strengthened our bond.

    Some people believe a pastor is not supposed to retire from God’s work but here you are retiring, what are your thoughts about this?

    One cannot retire from the work of a pastor because it is a calling. But one can retire from an office. The position of the GO is an office which I have retired from since last year December 31. But I am still a pastor, and I will be a pastor till Jesus comes or he takes me home. My calling to be a pastor is for a lifetime. By the grace of God, I have a marriage ministry that I will concentrate more on after retirement. The ministry has been on for almost six years. We have an online marriage clinic. It’s on YouTube, X, and Facebook. We counsel people on marriage issues. I also want to be involved more with missions. Before I became GO I was into missions. I want to work with pastors in villages to support their efforts.

    Retirement doesn’t mean stopping God’s work. It’s about transitioning to a different role while allowing new leadership to take over. I believe God prepares each generation for its time and purpose. My stepping down is part of His arrangement, and I am confident in the next phase of my service to Him. Leadership requires renewal and fresh perspectives. After serving for so long, there’s a tendency to become accustomed to the familiar and miss out on new opportunities for growth. I believe a younger person can bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to the church. My decision is also rooted in faith, trusting that God has a new assignment for me. It’s about continuity and ensuring the ministry thrives beyond my tenure. Many churches will scatter and die if their general overseer dies today because their GOs do not have a succession plan. It is instructive to note that tussling for power in the church can be very political, and many people have lost their faith and conviction in quest for power if the right things are not done. I have seen bishops who wanted power just to add it to their CV.  I heard from a pastor who said he just wanted to be in a particular position and if possible, die the second day after attaining that position. What I did when I was younger, I can’t do today. In January, we used to do chain prayers for 30 days and I will be at church for those 30 days. I cannot do that today. Now that I have retired, I will sit back and watch and pray for my successor to succeed. I can correct him when he makes a mistake and sometimes leave him to make his mistake and correct himself. I am supposed to retire at 70 which is the official age of retirement in Upper Room Baptist Church, but I decided to retire early and ran a smooth election for a new GO to continue to manage the affairs of the church. I was not under pressure or had any scandal but feel strongly that I leave the stage for a new generation of leaders.

    What was the most significant achievement or highlight of your 21-year tenure as General Overseer?

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    Without God, the 21 years I served as GO would have been meaningless. It was His grace that enabled me to achieve things I never thought was possible. When I took on this role, I was a young man that many didn’t believe in, but God poured out His grace upon me and transformed my limitations into testimonies. When I first joined, Upper Room Baptist Church was relatively unknown. Today, it is recognised as a household name—not necessarily for its size or popularity compared to others, but because God Himself has established and announced it. At the beginning of my tenure, the church had about 15 pastors. Today, by God’s grace, that number has grown to 40. Over a decade ago, we also identified and mentored 16 young men, a number that has now risen to 36, with many of them occupying strategic leadership positions in the church. One of the most rewarding aspects of my ministry has been nurturing young people. We created programmes specifically to raise godly and committed youths and teenagers who are now doing exploits around the world. Regular leadership retreats are the cornerstone of this effort, equipping young people to lead both in the church and society at large. In 2004, we started a programme to bring leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) together. What began as a single event has now expanded to 19 centers across Lagos where revival programmes are held regularly. Additionally, we’ve established branches of the church globally, further spreading God’s work. The high point of my tenure has been building people. This was my first focus upon becoming GO.  I poured my time and energy into discipline and mentoring members of the church. Over the years, this effort has borne fruits with many of these individuals becoming strong, impactful leaders and life-builders themselves. But none of this would have been possible without God. He has been our strength, our guide, and our inspiration. My gratitude extends to Him, as well as to the congregation that has supported this vision wholeheartedly. I must also recognize the invaluable support of my wife, Boade, who has stood by me every step of the way. Together, we give God all the glory for what He has accomplished. Also, community outreach has always been a priority for us. We currently run two schools, one of which existed before my tenure. These schools are part of our commitment to uplifting rural communities. One of the schools is completely free of tuition, free books and uniform. The second school is a secondary school with subsidised school fees. In addition to education, we have launched a Solar Panel Training programme aimed at empowering youth. Every session trains about 25 to 30 young people at highly subsidised fees, with the goal of taking idle youths off the streets. Upon completion of the training, we provide them with starter kits to help them establish themselves in the solar industry.

    How do you envision the future of Upper Room Baptist Church under the new leadership?

    I have high hopes for the future. I expect the new leader to bring innovation and growth, continuing to build on the foundation we have laid. My vision is for the church to expand its reach, impacting lives not just within Nigeria but across the world. I will continue to support and pray for the church as it enters this new chapter.

  • CAN kicks against RUGA settlement in Nigeria

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has told the Federal Government to jettison the planned RUGA scheme, saying the association was opposed to the implementation of the programme anywhere in Nigeria.

    On May 21, the Federal Government approved what it termed the RUGA settlement scheme, to curb open grazing of animals nationwide.

    RUGA entails the settlement of animals by farmers in an organised place with the provision of necessary amenities.

    The President of CAN, Pastor Samson Ayokunle, announced the position of the association at a church leaders’ summit in Lagos on Saturday.

    “We, the Christian body call on the Federal Government to immediately suspend and abrogate the RUGA settlement programme,’’Ayokunle stated.

    According to him, anything that smacks of mutual distrust should be avoided in the interest of national unity.

    He said also that the perception by many Christians that CAN had not been showing enough interest in national issues was wrong.

    “Let me state it here that our position, although it may differ from that of government is not opposition but a way of helping those in government.

    “Our position is a way of helping those in government by calling their attention to the dangers that may come from the proposed action if adequate caution is not considered.

    “We, the Christian body also kick against the Control of Waterways Bill now before the National Assembly. The Control of Waterways by the Federal Government Bill before the National Assembly should be rejected.

    “Waterways in each locality should be controlled by local authorities. God created the waterways there. At most they should be controlled by State Governments.”

    The CAN chief advised the Federal Government to intensify efforts on the establishment of modern ranching facilities, abattoirs and meat processing firms.

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    Also speaking, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said that he supported the position of CAN on the RUGA settlement issue.

    “CAN must do everything possible to let the world know that CAN is one. Whatever the CAN president says is the final,” he said.

    The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in a message, said that building of the nation is in the hands of God.

    He pleaded with Nigerians to pray to God for supernatural intervention in the affairs of Nigeria, saying: “we need to cry to God to help Nigeria.”

    Osinbajo was represented by the Chaplain of Aso Rock Chapel, Pastor Sheyi Malomo.

    Church leaders at the summit include Pastor Felix Omobude, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

    Elder Napo Emuchey, President of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Rev. S.T.V. Adegbite, President of the Christian Council of Nigeria and Benebo Fubara-Manuel, among others.

    The theme of the summit is: “RUGA: The Church Response in the 21st Century.’’

    NAN

  • Murder of Catholic priest: We are in tears, agony – CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed outrage over the murder of the Parish Priest of St. James The Greater Parish, Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Rev. Fr. Paul Offu by unknown gunmen.

    Southeast zone of CAN, in a statement on Sunday, said it was traumatized and in agony over the ugly development.

    The statement was signed by the Chairman of CAN in the zone, Bishop Dr. Goddy Madu.

    The cleric said the killing of Offu and other men of God was utterly condemnable and that the Christian body would no longer condone such.

    “I write to condemn the killing of Rev. Fr. Paul Offu by suspected herdsmen, as well as other men of God who have been murdered under similar circumstances.

    “This latest killing has brought tears and agony to the body of Christ. This is not the first, the second, nor the third time the Church is at the receiving end of such heinous attack.

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    “Consequently, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Southeast zone is calling on law enforcement agencies to fish out the killers and bring them to justice.

    “Also, the CAN Southeast is consoling with the Catholic Diocese of Enugu and pray the good Lord to grant the soul of Rev. Fr. Offu and other men of God who have lost their lives peaceful rest,” he said.

    Similarly, the Secretary of the CAN in the 17 Southern States, Apostle Dr. Joseph Ajujungwa, in a reaction to the killing said there were indications that some persons were working to sabotage the good efforts of the current government in the State led by Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

    Ajujungwa called on the Church and the good citizens of Nigeria “to watch as we pray.

    “The CAN Southeast is calling on the National Assembly to make a law stopping these deadly herdsmen from parading and causing disunity and tears to the good citizens of Nigeria.”

    “The CAN Southeast zone is strongly standing behind the South-East Governors Forum on their decision on security and we call on every Nigerian to defend themselves and their environment,” he added.

     

  • COZA: Rapists must face justice, says CAN

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday condemned any case of rape in strong terms, saying it doesn’t matter who is involved.

    Rev Samson Ayokunle, President, CAN, who gave the condemnation via a text message to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stressed that justice must prevail in all rape cases.

    Ayokunle described rape as ungodly, wicked and reprehensible.

    He,however, noted that CAN had no details on the trending allegations against the founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo.

    But he confirmed that the association had reached out to the christian wing which Fatoyinbo belongs to ascertain truth of the matter and take necesssary actions.

    ”We have no details about the matter other than what we are reading and hearing from the social media, and this is not reliable and credible evidence.

    ”The CAN leadership has reached out to the leadership of the block which the Pastor in question belongs with a view to getting to the root of the matter.

    ”This will help us to make the right decision on the issue,” he said.

    There will be a protest march to COZA church in Abuja, on 30 June, by #Church Too Movement.

    Busola Dakolo, a photographer and wife of musician, Timi Dakolo, has accused Fatoyinbo of rape.​

    Mrs. Dakolo is the second high profile person after Ese Walter to accuse Fatoyinbo of rape.​

    NAN

  • CAN to MACBAN: expose criminal herdsmen to save Buhari’s image

    THE President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, on Monday urged the leadership of the Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to protect the image of President Muhammadu Buhari by exposing criminal herdsmen.

    Ayokunle gave the counsel while speaking with MACBAN representatives, led by its National Secretary, Baba Othman Ngadzarna and Alhaji Sidia Metankari.

    The cattle breeders’ leaders congratulated Dr. Ayokunle and sought for a date for dialogue with the leadership of CAN on the ongoing security challenges across the country.

    Ayokunle said: “Our major problem is lack of leadership. We don’t have leadership that builds life but such that destroys life. Nigeria needs a detribalised leader who will pick the best across all divides that will help him to govern the entire nation well.

    “The leadership of CAN is not attacking President Muhammadu Buhari on religious ground. All we are asking from the government is to be more responsible and responsive to the yearnings of the people of Nigeria irrespective of their faith, ethnic background and political leaning.

    “For example, the government should be able to provide basic amenities for the people as it is being done in other climes and security challenges must be addressed holistically.

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    “Good governance will surely change the current disturbing narrative. There is no reason why the criminals amidst us should not be brought to book. Now that you have said it is not all herdsmen that belong to MACBAN, then your association should stop justifying the atrocities being perpetrated by those criminals.

    “The criminal herdsmen are giving the President bad name and the only way this can be stopped is by exposing those criminals that are carrying gun around, maiming and killing the innocent people. President Buhari is Fulani like you people and the best thing you can do for him is by exposing those criminals. This will make Nigerians not to reject another Fulani man who may want to rule.”

    According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the CAN boss cited few instances to condemn the criminal herdsmen who have been attacking and killing innocent people, saying: “most of those who are angry with the …herdsmen do not just hate them but they have been victims of attacks by suspected criminal herders.”

    The CAN president, who commended MACBAN for the initiative, promised to work with the leadership of the association in the quest for peace and stability of Nigeria.

    Other CAN officials present at the occasion include Northcentral Chairman Rev. Israel Akanji; National Treasurer Bishop Anthony Anyiador and National Christian Centre Co-ordinating Chaplain Bishop Peter Ogunmuyiwa among others.

    The National Secretary of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngadzarna, said the delegation came to congratulate Ayokunle on his victory for second term and to seek for a date when the leadership of MACBAN can come to hold dialogue with CAN leadership on their ongoing dialogue with stakeholders in the country.

    He told the CAN boss that all the criminals pretending to be herdsmen are not their members, emphasising that “those carrying AK-47 around are cattle rustlers who came from outside the country are capitalising on the porosity of our borders.”

    Ngadzarna also disclosed that there is another group of herdsmen who share same name with them adding that “they were also registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

    He further disclosed that the feud between the pastoralists and farmers were as a result of climate change, increase in population, illiteracy, cattle rustling and failure of government to address their needs.

    He, however, noted that until of recent, the government had not deemed it fit to look into the root cause of the feud, adding that, most of the negative stories making the rounds about MACBAN were fake.

  • Lagos to clerics: help spread road worthiness campaign to followers

    LAGOS State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has taken his zero tolerance to traffic congestion and voluntary compliance to all traffic regulations to religious leaders in the state to help sensitiwe their followers.

    Addressing religious leaders at an Inter-faith safety seminar organised for members of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) from all the 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs by the Ministry of Home Affairs in conjunction with the Lagos State Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service Centre, (LACVIS), Sanwo-Olu said the collaboration becomes necessary to ensure more Lagosians voluntarily comply with the laws to avoid embarrassment.

    The seminar took place at LACVIS head office at Ojodu-Berger.

    The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transportation, Dr Taiwo Salaam, said government is seeking the religious leaders’ collaboration because of the influence they have on their followers and adherents.

    He said the state recorded marginal improvement in road accidents and deaths since the traffic law was introduced in 2012 from less than 300 in 2013.

    He however lamented the situation had dipped such that about 5000 deaths were recorded over the past four years as a result of road accidents.

    The governor said government is worried the rising spate of accidents and deaths were traceable to non-renewal of drivers or vehicle licence, absence of road worthiness certificate, insurance certificate and other documents that could certify that the road user is fit to be on the road and to use it.

    He therefore urged Christian to “assist the government reach the public on how to use the road. What we need is attitudinal change and we are pleading with you to help us pacify them to continue to support the government.”

    He said the government is willing enforce and we are going to sustain the enforcement.

    NIREC’s Co-Chairman and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Apostle Alexander Bamgbola praised the government for making traffic and transportation a major focus of his administration.

    He said the traffic congestion is already taking a toll as many people are already leaving the state for neighbouring southwestern states.

    He assured the governor of “real support” of NIREC leadership. “Our cooperation is going to real because we are also affected by the effect of traffic congestion in this state.

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    “We are not surprised that Sanwo-Olu is making the road priority, it is a response to our collective prayers.”

    VIS Director Engr Hafeez Toriola said the government since 2017 has started the establishment of computerized testing centres in order to reduce incidences of manual testing, which has been the bane which impacts on traffic.

    He urged the clergies to appeal to their members and followers to take their vehicles to any of the centres close to them, adding that four new ones would be commissioned in Ojota, Olowu, Yaba, to bring the figure to 14 that has been established across the state.

    LACVIS Managing Director Prince Segun Obayendo said the computerised testing would help address mechanical and electrical issues relating to vehicles on the roads.

    Obayendo, who took the religious leaders on facility tour of the operations of the centre, said what obtains at Ojodu is replicated in all the 14 stations and the intention is for the government to have one in each of the 20 local governments.

    About 100 religious leaders all members of NIREC from all the local governments in the state attended the seminar.

     

  • How CAN President Ayokunle was re-elected

    The build-up to last week’s presidential election of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was as feverish as scandalous. Many well-meaning Christians were disgusted by the mudslinging that characterised the electioneering activities.

    At the end, the election went peacefully without incidents contrary to the apprehension that created the campaign activities. The incumbent President, Dr Supo Ayokunle was reelected with 59 votes to defeat candidate of the TEKAN/ECWA bloc Rev. Caleb Solomon-Ahima.

    Ahima, who is also the President, Fellowship of Christian Churches in Nigeria, secured 44 votes. Ayokunle survived a major ‘internal coup’ with just 15 votes, reflecting how keenly contested the election was.

    The build-up to war

    For his critics, the election was a perfect opportunity to get back at Ayokunle, who they accused of running the apex Christian body as an emperor with sickening stench of corruption. Ayokunle, according to them, has turned CAN to his personal estate, running it with a tight fist and dispensing favours to his cronies at the expense of the Christian community.

    The most vociferous to his re-election bid was the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), which ran a sustained campaign against Ayokunle’s throughout his first term and vowed he would not be reelected. The forum headed by Chief Solomon Asemota (SAN) described the President of Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) as a collaborator of Islamic Jihadists.

    Under his watch as CAN President, the elders alleged more Christians have been killed in the north than ever before, wondering why Ayokunle was not calling on government to stop the killings or offering support to persecuted Christians in the region.

    Expectedly, the CAN President fired back the salvo, alleging he was being blackmailed for choosing not to mortgage resources of the association to a few vested cronies. The Christian community watched the raging battle with horror, worried church leaders were tearing themselves apart.

    Echoes from the 2019 polls 

    The 2019 general elections further provided pro and anti-Ayokunle camps with enough ammunition to hit themselves. While his critics backed by the elders’ forum wanted CAN to endorse a candidate between President Muhammadu Buhari and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, his supporters opted for a more conservative approach.

    The latter believed that an open endorsement of either of the candidates could spell doom for the Christian body but the elders’ forum argued it was necessary for Christian voters to have direction in the general polls.

    CAN, ostensibly in reaction to pressures from critics, finally met twice with presidential candidates at the Ecumenical Centre, Abuja. Atiku and Buhari sent high-powered delegations to canvass support of Christian voters.

    At the end, CAN couldn’t muster the courage to openly endorse either of the candidates. It chose to sit on the fence, raising more suspicion of complicity with some forces. In a terse statement few days to the election, CAN explained it had no preferred presidential candidate.

    According to the body:  “We have not and will not endorse any candidate for any elective office in the country. You will recall that CAN recently met with some leading Presidential candidates in Abuja to interact with them and to present our position of the State of the Nation to them and to listen to their manifestoes and programmes.

    “At the end of the meeting, we came out with a position without endorsing any of the candidates.

    “CAN recognises Nigeria’s multi-religious and multicultural composition and is not in denial of these realities.

    “However, in our federal system, it is crucial for all constituents to commit to respect of the fundamental human rights of other groups as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    “It is against this background that CAN raised serious concerns with the candidates over the sustained violent attacks on, and persecution of the Church in Nigeria today.

    “CAN understands if the principle of good governance (transparency, accountability, equity, inclusiveness and consensus building) are the hallmarks of governance, it would lead to accelerated development and prosperity for the people of Nigeria. This is our sincere desire, hope and prayer.

    “Our expectations are that whoever emerges as president and vice-president will address the myriad of critical national concerns.”

    To those dissatisfied with Ayokunle’s leadership styles, the decision not to endorse a candidate was a calculated move to support Buhari, who they alleged the CAN President has been working for surreptitiously.

    This, they alleged, accounted for why Ayokunle has not been hard on the current administration despite the many difficult challenges Christians are facing.

    Controversial presidential visit

    When CAN decided to visit Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa shortly after his victory at the February presidential poll, Ayokunle became a vilified man. The visit, his critics stated, was packaged to confer legitimacy on the contested poll.

    They accused Ayokunle of selling out, spreading reports the Christian President was mobilised with as much as $200,000 to carry out the visit that meant so much to the administration seeking to validate his reelection in view of the Islamisation toga on Buhari.

    The elders forum fired a strong-worded statement that set tongues wagging. It said: “The NCEF wishes to state that the congratulatory visit to Aso Villa by CAN could not be in the interest of Nigerian Christians who daily bear the agony of thousands of their brethren being killed, maimed, displaced and marginalized in the Jihad launched in the northern parts of the country. It is well known the indifference of the Buhari Administration to the murder of Christians all over the country.

    “This indifference has led many, including foreign observers, to conclude that the Buhari Administration is complicit in the genocide that is taking place in Nigeria.

    “The action of the CAN President, Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, is a further confirmation of all the protests and petitions of NCEF in 2018 querying the faithfulness of Dr. Ayokunle to Christ and to His Church.

    “In its 2018 Report titled FACTORS HINDERING CHRISTIAN POLITICAL CONSENSUS FOR 2019 ELECTION, the NCEF provided irrefutable facts that Rev. Ayokunle deliberately frustrated Christian political consensus in a country in which religion has become a major factor in politics.

    “With this ill-advised congratulatory visit to President Buhari, it should be clear to every Christian of good conscience that Rev. Ayokunle is running CAN as an appendage of APC which has proven by its religiously popularism biased appointments and policies that it is primarily a religious party that is to the disadvantage of Christians whom Rev. Ayokunle claims to be representing.

    “It would be recalled that during the Elections, Rev. Ayokunle presumptuously deployed a 1,000 man CAN Election Observers team to monitor the Elections nationwide.

    “The action was presumptuous since CAN does not have the Constitutional responsibility of engaging politics. Christian leaders deliberately established Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) for this purpose in 2001 as the socio-political arm of the Church.

    “Nonetheless, after observing the Elections, the 1,000 man CAN Election Observers is yet to release its Report before CAN rushed to congratulate one of the contestants.

    “Since all the other Observers have since released their Reports, where is the Report of the CAN Observers Team?”

    Ayokunle, naturally refuted all the allegations, saying the congratulatory visit was in order because Buhari was popularly elected.

    Why Ayokunle was returned

    It was in this context the CAN presidential election became a contest between pro and anti-Ayokunle elements. They shifted the battle for supremacy to the election to determine who was really in charge of the apex Christian body.

    Our correspondent learnt that Ayokunle won the polls with marginal votes because several people were not happy with his dictatorial style. He was also said to be heavy of sycophancy, forcing many well-meaning individuals to stay away from his administration.

    At the College Election, which is a shadow poll to prune down contenders, Ayokunle carried the day. Rev Dr Ahima came second while Rev Dr Nicholas Okoh of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) was eliminated from the contested.

    With Ayokunle and Ahima, it became obvious the election was going to be tougher than expected. One, Ahima, candidate of TEKAN/ECWA, ran with the backing of some former CAN officials, who allegedly funded his campaign.

    Ahima didn’t not only have access to resources, he also ran as an underdog. Many northern Christians saw him as a rallying point, going by how much persecution they had suffered in the last four years. Besides, they argued no northerner, aside from Kogi-born Cardinal John Onaiyekan(2007-2010) presided over the body.

    The combination of ethnic sentiments and heavy war chest worked for Ahima. It was gathered this account for why he scored so much votes. But a number of factors worked much more for Ayokunle, whose re-election became impossible to stop.

    One, he had the backing of arguably the largest and most powerful bloc in the association, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), which has churches such as Methodist Church Nigeria, Nigerian Baptist Convention and Anglican Communion. The bloc has produced three of the last six presidents of the association. The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) comes second with two former presidents, leaving the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/ Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN/CPFN) with one.

    Two, he had the power of incumbency to his advantage. Since formation of the body, all incumbent presidents won re-election except Onaiyekan in 2010. He lost to the sweeping influence of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

    Ayokunle used the power well, choosing members of the Electoral College that many considered sympathetic to his ambition to be re-elected. Besides, it was gathered that Ayokunle entered into pacts with three of the blocs, which delivered the bulk of his votes.

    With the CSN, he reportedly offered them the National secretary slot, which became vacant following the death of Rev. Musa Asake in 2018. Ayokunle, according to his critics, deliberately left the slot vacant for the CSN bloc, which provided the Acting Secretary.

    To the OAIC bloc, the CAN President allegedly promised to hand over to one of them in 2022. The bloc has toiled unsuccessfully to lead the association, coming closest three years ago with Elder Prof Dr Joseph Otubu, who Ayokunle defeated.

    Otubu, who served as Vice National President, fought Ayokunle to standstill, accusing him of corruption, high-handedness and embezzlement.

    There are also talks the presidency preferred the non-combatant posture of Ayokunle considering the weight of CAN’s positions on national issues. The OAIC bloc gave Ayokunle massive votes despite the influence of Okoh, who reportedly mobilised delegates against returning him.

    The PFN/CFPN bloc, according to investigation, supported Ahima mainly because of the instructions of former President, Oritsejafor, who is believed to be grossly displeased with Ayokunle’s administration.

    The infiltration of northern votes through the influence of some powerful canvassers in the region also swayed votes in his favour. At the height of the campaign, northern CAN endorsed Ayokunle despite some protestations.

    It was learnt that some of his key loyalists in the region appealed to the delegates to give him a chance. Much as Ayokunle has been re-elected, there are indications many would wait to see what he intends to leave as legacies in CAN. This is because his first term is largely seen as uneventful in terms of performance.

     

  • Procession deaths: Be calm, Deputy Gov, CAN appeal to Gombe Christians

    Christian youths in Gombe have been told to remain calm following the killing of 10 Boys Brigade members during an Easter procession on Sunday night.
    10 Boys Brigade members were killed by a car during an Easter procession in Gombe metropolis, sparking protests and road blocks.

     North East CAN Chairman, Rev Abare Kale told newsmen in Gombe on Monday the association would follow due process to seek redress on the situation.

    Kala said that the Christian body was putting in efforts that would ensure that the situation was properly managed.

    “We call on the Christian Community in Gombe to take the situation in good faith, be calm and also follow the right channel in seeking redress on the issue on ground.

    “Two wrongs cannot make a right. So, I appeal for caution in the process of addressing the issue. If we apply the wrong approach,  it will lead to another issue.

    “For now, we are trying to calm the situation by appealing to Christians to see reasons for calm and allow the authorities concerned to take necessary measures.

    “We have informed the security agencies concerned about the situation on ground.

    “We are aware of the pain this sad event had caused but let’s be calm and allow the leadership to handle the matter,” he said.

    Gombe Deputy Governor, Mr Charles Iliya, appealed for calm, adding that the government would take all necessary measures to ensure justice is done at the end.

    Iliya noted that it was a painful experience but appealed for calm to allow the relevant authorities carry out their duties.

    Malum added that 30 others were being treated for various injuries they sustained from the mishap.