CAN Ready to Call Out Government on Citizen Welfare, Says Okoh

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared its unwavering commitment to holding the Federal Government accountable, vowing to speak out whenever the state falls short in protecting its citizens or infringes upon their fundamental rights. This assertion came from CAN's President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

Archbishop Okoh, speaking on Friday in Abuja during a press conference to commemorate the association's 50th anniversary, themed “Walking Together in Faith: Celebrating 50 Years of CAN’s Journey,” stated that CAN would maintain constructive engagement with the government while fiercely safeguarding its independence. He emphasized the body's responsibility to oppose injustice, insecurity, and any policies that could negatively impact the well-being of Nigerians.

He clarified that CAN operates neither as a political opposition party nor as an organization designed to simply praise the government. Instead, its interactions with authorities are rooted in core principles, rather than political expediency. “CAN is neither a government opposition party nor a government praise-singing organisation. We are a Christian institution with a national responsibility,” Okoh affirmed. He added, “Where government policies promote the welfare of Nigerians, we will support them. Where government requires partnership to deliver the dividends of democracy and good governance to communities, CAN is available to cooperate.”

However, the cleric issued a stern warning that CAN would not remain silent in the face of citizen suffering or threats to constitutional liberties. “Where government makes progress, we will acknowledge it. Where government fails to protect citizens, we will say so. Where injustice occurs, we will speak. Where constitutional rights are threatened, we will raise our voice. Where citizens are suffering, we cannot remain silent,” Okoh stressed.

He further explained that CAN's allegiance to truth remains paramount and cannot be compromised by its relationship with political figures. The association is resolute in fulfilling its moral obligations to both the Church and the Nigerian populace. “We respect the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We respect the institutions of government. But our loyalty to truth cannot be compromised or subordinated to political proximity. To do so is to abdicate from our moral responsibility, and it will be a disservice to God and the people we serve,” he stated.

Reflecting on five decades of Christian unity and public engagement, Okoh highlighted CAN's consistent participation in crucial national dialogues covering governance, democracy, religious freedom, insecurity, poverty alleviation, and national development. He noted that CAN's mandate extends beyond religious activities to encompass advocacy for sound governance, protection of fundamental rights, and humanitarian aid for vulnerable communities.

Addressing the pervasive insecurity plaguing the nation, the CAN president urged the Federal Government to intensify its efforts. He lamented the continuous suffering of Nigerians from terr*rism, banditry, kidn*pping, communal violence, and various other criminal acts. He pointed out the tragic consequences, including attacks on places of worship, the killing or abduction of worshippers, displacement of communities, and farmers being driven from their lands, which exacerbates food insecurity. “CAN therefore repeats its call to government that the primary responsibility of government is to protect life and property. Citizens should never have to negotiate with terr*rists, bandits or kidn*ppers simply to remain alive,” he asserted.

Okoh advocated for a robust security architecture capable of preventing attacks proactively, rather than merely reacting after lives have been lost. “Early warning must lead to early response,” he emphasized, calling on security agencies to foster more effective collaboration with communities and civil society organizations to identify emerging threats.

While acknowledging the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and his administration in curbing insecurity, the CAN president stressed that more substantial improvements are needed in the performance of security agencies. “We acknowledge the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team to reduce the level of violence and insecurity in the nation, but we believe that more could be done to improve the services of security agencies in Nigeria. Every Nigerian is looking forward to seeing the end of killings in this nation,” he remarked.

Regarding the ongoing discourse about the persecution of Christians, Okoh stated that CAN would continue to highlight instances of attacks, discrimination, marginalisation, and other violations affecting Christian communities. He clarified, however, that advocating for Christians should not be misconstrued as hostility towards the government or other religious groups. “Defending Christians does not mean fighting the government. It does not mean hating Muslims or any other religious community,” he affirmed. He concluded by reiterating the association's opposition to religious hatred and its commitment to ensuring the protection of all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliations.

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