CAN to Jonathan: take drastic measures against sect

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday advised President Goodluck Jonathan to adopt radical steps to conquer the new method of killing by the Boko Haram sect.

CAN described killings in the North as ‘senseless and uncalled-for’.

A communiqué issued in Abuja at the end of the meeting of the 19 Northern States and Abuja Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the 17 Southern States CAN held in Abuja and jointly signed by Chairman, 17 Southern States CAN, Primate Nicholas Okoh and Chairman, 19 Northern States and Abuja CAN, Archbishop Peter Jatau (Emeritus), said: “The meeting deliberated frankly and exhaustively on issues bordering on the state of the nation and CAN.

“The meeting noted the advantages derivable from regular comparison of notes by the two chapters of CAN and resolved that a wider forum, comprising a cross-section of members of the two chapters would meet to discuss specific issues that concern the future of the Church in Nigeria . Accordingly, it called on all Christians, irrespective of their denominational persuasions, to unite and that the unity of Christians is most crucial at this time when the Church is undergoing major challenges that border on persecution.

“However, the meeting urged President Jonathan to adopt drastic measures that are proactive to match the new tactics of the insurgents in order to halt the senseless killings of innocent Nigerians, especially Christians and the destruction of Churches in the northern part of the country.

“It took a scrupulous look at the activities and pronouncements of the leadership of CAN and re-affirmed its confidence and support for the leadership under Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor (OFR). The meeting commended the President of CAN for the excellent job he is doing on behalf of Christians, giving the current challenges while also applauding his efforts at uniting all Christians in Nigeria through the five blocks. It encouraged the CAN President to continue on that path.

“The meeting noted, with pleasure, President Goodluck Jonathan’s undertaking to deal decisively with the security challenges facing the nation and commended the Federal Government under his leadership for its management.

“The meeting noted with a sense of satisfaction President Jonathan and his government’s humane and prompt management of the flood that ravaged most parts of Nigeria . While it thanked the President and his team for a job well done, the meeting called on the Federal Government to do all within its powers to ensure that the victims are assisted to regain their lives to enable them settle down to their various vocations. It feared that if the funds are not disbursed directly to the victims, they may be wasted on items the direct victims do not require. The meeting, therefore, called on the Federal Government to monitor the distribution of its financial assistance to avoid a hijack that may end up reducing what should accrue to the victims.