CAN Laments Siege On Church In Nigeria – Tells Government Not To Gag Critics

– The Christian Association of Nigeria Reveals Scheme Against Members

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised an alarm on the alleged persecution Christians in the Northern region of the country are being subjected to.

The Christian body has called the attention of the general public to the unwarranted persecution of Christians in the Northern region of the country which they claimed also includes the removal of CRK (Christian Religious Knowledge) from school curriculum.

While speaking through the Assistant General Secretary and Chairman of CAN’s anniversary celebration committee, Elder Biodun Sanyaolu at the association’s 45th anniversary in Abuja.

The body alleged that the country is under the siege of “external forces” including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West African Province terrorists, Sanyaolu added that “Since, the Association came on board on August 27, 1976, it has been consistent in standing against evil in the land.

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“But today it is regrettable that there is a siege on the Church which all began with the killings and burning of churches in some states in the North at the emergence of Boko Haram terrorists. Their primary targets, according to their declaration, were Christians and Muslims who stand in their way.

“Our members are being persecuted because of their faith. Some were denied their rights like promotion and appointments. Churches were denied certificates of occupancy in many states in the North while many public schools have removed Christian Religious Knowledge from their curriculum.

“It is also reprehensible that the security architecture of the country has been compromised. Some external forces are making futile attempts to hijack the Association. But we cannot lose our focus.” 

He ended with a note of thanksgiving and said regardless of the issue at hand, the Christian organization still have a lot of things to be grateful for.

In similar news, the Christian Association of Nigeria has urged the government not to gag the people or arrest those who speak about its failures.

CAN noted that political leaders should learn to tolerate the criticism issued by citizens on government policies and programmes.

This was revealed by the CAN President, Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, in a statement titled, “Political Leaders Should Learn to Tolerate Citizens’ Criticism of Policies and Programmes of Government.”