Christians have nothing against Buhari, says CAN President

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Reverend Dr. Olasupo Ayokunle has said Christians in Nigeria have nothing against the Buhari led government but want it to rise to its responsibility of protecting lives of all citizens.
He stated this during the 65th Tarayyar Ekklisiyoyin Kristi A Nigeria (TEKAN) General Assembly being hosted by HEKAN in Kaduna yesterday.
He added that the apex Christian body is not enemy of government but supporting government to succeed.
“We are not enemies of government as some politicians thought, we are only calling the attention of the government to do the needful.”
“Lives are been lost every day, especially in northern Nigeria and Christians are the worst hit by the activities of Boko Haram, bandits attack and kidnappings.”
The CAN President also appealed to government and security operatives to fast track efforts to rescue the abducted EYN Church clergy who doubles as CAN Zonal Chairman in Michika, Adamawa State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Tararyar Ekklisiyoyin Kristi A Nigeria TEKAN who also doubles as the National Vice President of CAN, Reverend Caleb Solomon Ahima expressed his dissatisfaction over the closure of borders and directives to issue visas to migrants on arrival in the country
“ TEKAN as a body with many of its churches across northern states is not satisfy with government plan of issuing visa to migrants on arrival at the border but borders are close due to insecurity”
“We are still asking questions over this and yet no answer to it.”
Speaking earlier, the host and President of United Church of Christ in Nations (HEKAN), Reverend Amos G. Kiri urged Christian leaders to always look up to Jesus Christ and lead exemplary lives like him
He said that an example that is worth emulating was when Jesus’ Disciples asked him if they could send down fire to consume those they perceived as enemies but he scolded them, telling them “You don’t know what manner of spirit is on you.”
He challenged leaders to spread the goodness of the gospel of Jesus.
Kiri said Christian leaders should unite, come back to their senses and engage the people like Jesus did, stressing that if they don’t, they would have missed the mark.
“We must deal with this issue of hatred, racial discrimination and others first as brethren.
“We have no reason to allow racial or discrimination issues prevent us from reaching those we ought to engage with the gospel.
“We have turned our discussion into mere discussion. Instead of dwelling upon what the gospel says and engaging them, we turn to things that are irrelevant,” he Stressed
The weeklong event had in attendance sixteen heads of TEKAN member churches, leaders and delegates from across the country.