The Christian Association of Nigeria (NAN) has emphasized the need to ensure equity for all, recognition of traditional and religious leaders in the proposed amendment of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution.

The CAN Chairman, Kogi chapter, Bishop Dr John Ibenu,stated this on Wednesday at the Two-Day North-Central Zonal Public Hearing on the ongoing Constitutional Amendments in Lokoja.

Ibenu noted that Kogi CAN was in tandem with the position of the National CAN on constitutional review as presented by its National President, His Eminence Dr. Samson Ayokunle.

He stressed the need for women empowerment through education and inheritance, equality of all persons before the law, and maintaining the secularity of Nigeria.

CAN also agitated for the confederation of independent regions or a federation of States or regions, and ensuring the financial autonomy and independence of Judiciary.

”We want recognition of traditional rulers and religious leaders, constitutional backing for the operational decentralisation and regionalisation for law enforcement agencies.

”Redefinition of courts of Superior jurisdiction to accommodate the regional and regional system with respective Appellate structure.

”Separation of office of Attorney General from the Office of the Minister of Justice, proper definition of residency and indigene rights

”Creation of new States vis-à-vis Southern Kaduna/Kataf/Gurara State, Cross River North State, Okun State, Okigwe State, Oke-Ogun Stàte.

”Constitutional provisions for enforcement of our fundamental human rights. All faith must be consulted and carried along.

”Strengthening and fast tracking the processes of the court”, Ibenu said.

He, however noted that no perfect constitution, but the implementors should always ensure that the right thing are done at the right to ensure equity, fairness and justice for all.

On its part, the Okun Development Association (ODA) who made presentation on behalf of Okun Yoruba People of Kogi State, expressed their full support for restructuring and power devolution.

Mr Jibril Yusuf, who made the presentation for ODA, expressed the support of the entire Okun people for the restructuring of Nigeria to bring about a truly federal republic with its fundamental elements.

”Specific clear constitutional clauses should be made to enforce rotation of Executive and Legislative positions among the component part of the federal, regional, state and local government areas, to forestall objectionable domination by any group over the others.

”Clear clause should be inserted in the constitution to protect minority rights and privileges in the form of a Bill of Rights”, Yusuf said.

NAN reports that 97 per cent of individuals, groups and organisations that made presentation at the public hearing, expressed their full support for restructuring, devolution of power, creation of states, among others.

Others that made presentations include: Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), Ebira Peoples Association (EPA) NMA, NBA, and Police Service Commission (PSC).

Others were: Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Magistrate Association of Nigeria, Muslim Conference, Igala Strategic Team, among others.

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By Stephen Adeleye

The President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence Rev. Dr Samson Supo Ayokunle, has urged leaders at all levels to ensure justice and fairness in leadership for the benefit of all irrespective of affiliations, beliefs or differences.

Ayokunle made the call on Monday, at the official Inauguration and Dedication of Government House Chapel, Lokoja, known as ”Chapel of Peace and Unity”, built by Gov. Yahaya Bello, after 28 years of creation of the state.

The ground breaking of the Chapel, was performed on July 22, 2019 by CAN President, and completed on December same year within five months.

The CAN President commended the governor for his goodwill and courage to break the jinx of 28 years which all his predecessors could not achieve in building a church at Government House Lokoja.

According to him, the governor and his deputy have done what is called, ‘Justice in leadership for the good of all’, to ensure justice, fairness and mutual respect.

The CAN President expressed his delight to be in Kogi State, and appreciated the governor for the opportunity of being invited to dedicate the historic chapel, saying ”it is a chapel of justice”.

”Your Excellency, your generation shall forever be blessed for standing for justice, inclusiveness, fairness and equity for all; may God bless you. Thank you for allowing God to use you to stand for justice”, he said.

Ayokunle enjoined other governors and the Federal Government to emulate what Bello has done in Kogi in terms of good governance, equity, fairness and justice.

He added: ”If we deliberately do justice, there would be peace and tranquility; in the atmosphere of justice, peace will definitely reign.

”We need justice, fairness and mutual respect in all aspect of our lives, if Nigeria is going to be one”.

He prophesied that the governor would enjoy prosperity and move from one level of glory to another higher level of glory.

He further urged the federal government to urgently ensure the completion of the rehabilitation of Loko-Abuja road, saying, ”it is a shame to be constructing a road that is less than 200km for over 15 years”.

In his remarks, Gov. Yahaya Bello, noted that it was only God’s help to have found the desire, courage and resources to build the Chapel of Unity and Peace.

”When we did the ground breaking on July 22, 2019, we promised to finish the work in December of that year. We completed it on schedule and put it to use that same year.

”Today, we are here to officially commission and dedicate it. We cannot thank God enough”, Bello said.

Represented by His Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, the governor said that the Chapel had shown that ”our constitution guarantees of equality as citizens are binding on leaders irrespective of their personal beliefs, feelings and inclinations.

”This building speaks of equity, unity and the fear of God as the principal bedrocks of a diverse but egalitarian society.

”The building proclaims that inclusivity and equal access to government and her institutions at the inalienable right of all citizens, among others”.

The governor further thanked CAN in Kogi and at the national level for standing solidly with the government in the actualisation of the peoject.

He solicited for prayers and support of the entire Christian community, to be able to do all that God of heaven had commanded for the people of Kogi State.

Also speaking, the CAN Chairman in Kogi, Dr John Ibenu, said that God in heaven had brought the governor to to do His will, and urged him to continue to seek and do the will of God.

Ibenu stressed that God had used the governor to answer 28 years’ prayer and yearning of the Christian body in Kogi, and prayed God to grant the governor his deepest desires.

”His Excellency is a leader that believes in treating all Faith equally, fairly and respectably. He has demonstrated that over and over.

Ibenu thanked the CAN President for having a very soft spot for Kogi State, and for his continuous prayer for the governor.

He also called on the Federal government to as a matter of urgency complete the Lokoja-Abuja road, saying the road was worsening on daily basis.

The leadership of CAN in Kogi State, conferred an Award of ”Friend Of The Church”, on the governor, as a way of appreciating his love for CAN.

Other dignitaries at the occasion were: the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Afolashade Ayoade; Speaker Kogi House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Matthew Kolawole; and State Commissioners

Others included: Zonal CAN Chairman, North Central, Dr Israel Akanji, Traditional Rulers, Leaders of all the Five blocs of CAN in Kogi, JNI, among others.

It was funfair last Sunday as Revd Steve Fatoye the senior pastor, Evangelical Church Winning Hall (ECWA) Osere emerges the 8th coordinator of Ilorin west CAN.

The event held at First Baptist Church,Surulere was witnessed by creme de lacum in the society.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after his inauguration, Fatoye pledged to use his new position to serve God the more.

“My emergence has the coordinator for Ilorin west CAN is a rare honour and privilege to serve God and the christiandom.

“Becoming the coordinator of Ilorin west Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) at this time is a privilege to serve.

” I want to humbly tell you that the Bible says in the book of Mark chapter 16 verse 10 ; Go ye into the whole world and preach the gospel to all nations. And this is the calling we are assigned to do.

“Assuming this position is a big opportunity that I will have the privilege to reach churches. I will be privilege to preach more. I will be privilege to preach the unity of purpose of Christ.

” So I will be privilege to dialogue together by reasoning from the same faculty hence it is a rare privilege to serve, ” Fatoye affirmed.

The clergyman however charges fellowship in Nigeria to always adherents to the law of the land and agree with the leadership.

“My message to the full house is that in a time like in our nation, if we can just agree with our leaders. If church members will agree with their pastors. If community leaders will agree with their leaders. Things will change for better.

” But at present , there is disparity everywhere in the country. If we can just in the unity of purpose with a common goals, we will reach eternity. And that is my joy,” he stressed.

The new CAN boss also used the medium to thank well meaning diginatories that attended his inauguration as the 8th coordinator of Ilorin west zone.

“I thank those that come to felicitate with my installation. I pray that whatever they lay their hands on will prosper. They will rise without climbing.

” They will be winning without fighting. In the name of God they will never be a burden to anybody and they will be rapturable,” Fatoye prayed.

Clergymen present at the event includes the special adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Christian religion, Rev(Dr) S. O Adedayo, Rev (Dr) Babatomiwa Owojaye, the state CAN chairman, Most Rev(Dr) Paul Olawore.

Others includes, Rev Reuben Ibitoye, Rev(Dr) E.O Along, Rev J.O Jolayemi among others.

Lokoja, Nov. 10, 2020

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kogi, has urged Government at all levels to consider the plight of the people, and return to the drawing board to practically alleviate their suffering.

Dr John Ibenu, the state’s CAN Chairman, made the call at the Plenary Session, held at CAN Secretariat in Lokoja on Tuesday.

According to Ibenu, government at all levels must consider the plight of the people, return to the drawing board and propose activities that will alleviate the suffering of the people.

He urged Christians to continue to preach love, unity, peaceful coexistence and the salvation that came through the Lord Jesus Christ.

”I wish to also urge us all to intensify our prayers for the government, the land and the church for unity, peace and progress.

”Those who truly pray will not support any form of lawlessness”, he said.

Ibenu further urged the public to beware of the traps and menace of fake news on the social media that sought to turn us against each other.

He stressed that Christians are children of the Truth and Light, and should not accept, forward or spread any news they have not verified to be the true position, saying, ”the lies today look appealing and sweet”.

”Evidence of maturity is that you hear and get all sides before you judge or conclude.

”Let us defend the interest of Christianity, the Leadership and mobilise our members to what will advance our course.

”Emotional outbursts are signs of immaturity, let us beware of fake news”, he said.

In his goodwill message, the Kogi Deputy Governor, Chief Edward David Onoja, appreciated the Christian community for their prayer and support for the governor during the 2019 governorship election in the state.

Onoja expressed his gladness for his presence at the plenary, stressing the need for Christians to continue to seek perfection every moment and take heed not to fall.

He commended Gov. Yahaya Bello for his commitment and political Will for being the first governor to build a Christian Chapel at the Government House Lokoja.

He urged Christians to register and get their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) towards the 2023 general election, saying it is a civic responsibility to themselves and their country.

Onoja commended the leadership of CAN for the ongoing project work at the CAN Secretariat, promising to influence support in getting the project completed.

He prayed that God would make Nigeria and Kogi to be where they ought to be.

Earlier in his short Exhortation, titled: ”Orderliness and Godliness in Leadership”, Pastor Joshua Omada, said that Christians were under obligations to maintain orderliness in leadership.

Taken his text in the Bible from the book of 1 Corinthians 14:40, he said: ”Let all things be done decently and in order.

”We are under instruction to maintain orderliness; no one can be successful in leadership without godliness and orderliness.

”Godliness requires the necessity of self organisation and orderliness; our God is a God of principles. So we must follow his principles in structuring the body of Christ”, Omada said.

He prayed that the Church of Christ be strengthened with godliness and orderliness in leadership at all times.

Also, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Mr Ede Ayuba, who was represented by the Zonal Chaplain, Venerable Timothy Kusanu, delivered lecture on Security tips, and urged the church to support the police in prayer.

”We need the church to support the police so that we can continue to do well. We are ready to serve and work with you, but you must show us love

He stressed the need for the public to collaborate with police for the safety of all by giving the police the necessary information.

All the leaders of five Blocs of CAN were present at the plenary.

The bloc were: Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), ECWA/TEKAN, Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN/PFN) and Organisation of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC).

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