*Country on the verge of collapse, they insist
*Say Muslim-Muslim ticket pose more danger in the country
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, rose from a meeting Sunday declaring that Nigeria is under siege by terrorists and bandits.
According to the body, the outlawed bodies are unleashing mayhem on the citizens and crippling economic and social activities across the country.
The group explained that terrorists’ activities are mostly felt particularly in states like Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto, and even Abuja, the seat of power, and advised President Muhammadu Buhari to stop living in denial but to change strategy and halt the terrorism.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna, Elder Sunday Oibe, the Secretary-General of Northern CAN, said, “Nigeria is under siege by terrorists who are unleashing mayhem on the citizens and crippling economic and social activities across the country, particularly in states like Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto and even Abuja, the seat of power.”
According to the group, “The continuous brazen and commando-like style, with which these terrorists operate unchallenged, even to the extent of issuing a threat to kidnap the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is worrisome.”
They therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to stop living in denial but come to the reality of the present situation and save the lives and properties of Nigerians.
The scribe explained that “Nigeria is on the verge of collapse, needs, urgent and proactive steps to be taken to save the situation, saying that nowhere is safe in the country”.
He also called on President Buhari to rise to the occasion by living up to his constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens and defending the sovereignty of Nigeria and urged all well-meaning Nigerians to unite and pray fervently for the country and for the defeat of the enemies of the Nigerian state.
On the 2023 presidency, the group reaffirmed its stand against the idea of a Muslim- Muslim ticket in a multi-religious and multi-cultural society like Nigeria, lamenting that the country has never been so divided along religious and ethnic lines as is the case now, stressing that same faith presidential candidates would further worsen the situation.
Elder Oibe called on politicians and political parties to be wary of those who might sneak to meet them secretly like Nichodeamus in the Bible in the name of Christian leaders from the North, with the sole aim of wetting their political apatite and desperation for monetary gains.
He assured that Northern CAN is a reputable religious organisation, saying that it would never engage in any secret dealing with any politician as a matter of policy.
He, however, said that their doors are open to any Nigerian who desires to share with them ideas on moving the country forward, stressing that Northern CAN, like many individuals and groups, is deeply concerned about the helpless security situation in the country.
The Secretary-General congratulated the new national leadership of CAN and encouraged them to stand firm like Joshua in the Bible in these difficult times to be the real voice for the church in Nigeria while pledging their unalloyed support in all areas to help them succeed.
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