From producing the current National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to being on the verge of having another smooth transition coupled with mass mobilisation of members for socio-political development, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) has dropped its hitherto back-warmer status to becoming a bloc to reckon with in CAN, writes Online Editor Sunday Oguntola.
His Grace, Most Rev Dr Daniel Okoh, fresh from his installation as CAN National President, walked quietly into the mini-sized hall to rousing applause. Sparkling in their different white garments, the audience clapped and clapped as Okoh headed for the reserved seat. Some couldn’t help but scream. Others simply smiled, proudly taking in the significance of the moment.
It was at the first official outing of Okoh, who took over as CAN President in a smooth transition programme as against the previous acrimony that dogged the exercise on July 29. Okoh’s gentle and quiet mien was similar to his emergence. It was the most peaceful so far in the history of the apex Christian body in the nation.
Unlike in the past, CAN’s new constitution adopted a rotational system among its five blocs comprising the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN); Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN); Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN)/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN); Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC); TEKAN and ECWA Fellowship. Okoh emerged on the strength of the new arrangement, which forecloses the usual politicking associated with the previous system.
But it wasn’t just the arrangement that mattered. It was a statement of unity from OAIC that made the new leadership system surprisingly seamless. The churches of indigenous origins closed ranks and presented Okoh, the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church aka Nation Builders (Odozi-Obodo) a consensus candidate. Once the bloc offered a consensus candidate, CAN simply ratify the choice. So, if the new constitution was the engine for a seamless transition, OAIC’s unity of purpose oiled it to a good effect.
That unity of purpose was also on display last September when the bloc hosted Okoh to a reception in Lagos. It was a celebration of many firsts. Okoh became the first OAIC leader to emerge CAN President. The top position had been elusive to the bloc for years. The closest it got was a distant second on two occasions.
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It was also the first time other CAN blocs will witness the unity of OAIC. It was a delight to behold. Many watched in amazement as white garment churches, derisively considered unorganised, rallied behind their own. OAIC National President Elder Dr Napo Emuchay fittingly said the bloc has come of age with the emergence of Okoh. He told the Christian community to expect to savour the best that OAIC has to offer.
The bloc with millions of members across the six geo-political zones of the nation is reputed to have the capacity to rally themselves towards any national project of note. It has strong churches in the South-South, South West, South East, North Central, North East and North West. Many of them speak with one voice culturally and politically because of the similarity in worship practices and homogeneity of beliefs.
Okoh, who was elated to be in the midst of his people, gave a well-received speech on the slant of his leadership. He said: ‘’ We are ready to move together and speak on one voice. The goodwill I have enjoyed since I took over is unparalleled. I cannot do anything alone. The job of a President of CAN is not to do things alone. We have to move our hands together as we move on. CAN will not stand alone.
‘’We will find ways to engage people of other religions. We don’t have a choice than to find ways to live together. We have fought our battles in the past. We have the advantage to harness our diversities. As Church leaders, we must only say things that will bring us together. My responsibility is not to say things that will divide us. If that is why people think I am here, there are mistaken. When we speak hate, we build a culture of hate and violence while misleading the younger generation.
‘’We have hated ourselves in the past but this is the time of healing. I am not saying we must give up our faith. We will use the method of Jesus, which is engagement and we will not compromise our faith in the better. CAN will not break up. We will move forward faster and better.’’
Elder Dr Israel Akinadewo said the coming on board of Okoh marked the glorious era of OAIC, which has been on the backsides for years in CAN. He said OAIC was not only ready to take its place but prepared to mobilise members for rapid socio-political development.
On Thursday, the bloc, which has shown potential for mass mobilisation of members towards socio-political development across the nation, will elect a new national president in Abuja. Feelers indicated that the election will be more or less unopposed largely because of the underground consensus built around Akinadewo, a chartered forensic accountant, who is the Prelate and Supreme Head of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim, Worldwide, (MCCSW).
If the bloc pulls off the transition programme, it will not only cement its growing profile but also consolidate the gains it has recorded lately for mutual benefits spiritually, politically, culturally and socially.