From Lokoja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kogi state chapter, has urged government at all levels to return to the drawing board with activities that would alleviate the suffering of the people in the country.
The Kogi State Chairman of CAN,DrJohn Ibenu, gave the advice at the Plenary Session of the association in Lokoja on Tuesday.
He also called on Christians to continue to preach love, unity, peaceful coexistence and the salvation that came through the Lord Jesus Christ.
”I wish to also urge us all to intensify our prayers for the government, the land and the church for unity, peace and progress.
”Those who truly pray will not support any form of lawlessness”, he said.
Ibenu further urged the public to beware of the traps and menace of fake news on the social media that sought to “turn us against each other.”
He stressed that Christians, being children of the Truth and Light, should not accept, forward or spread any news they have not verified to be the true position, saying, ”the lies today look appealing and sweet.”
”Evidence of maturity is that, you hear and get all sides before you judge or conclude.
”Let us defend the interest of Christianity, the Leadership and mobilise our members to what will advance our course.
”Emotional outbursts are signs of immaturity, let us beware of fake news,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Kogi Deputy Governor, Chief Edward David Onoja, lauded the Christians for their prayer and support for the governor during the 2019 governorship election in the state.
Onoja stressed the need for Christians to continue to seek perfection,” every moment and take heed not to fall.”
He commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his commitment and political Will for being the first governor to build a Christian Chapel at the Government House, Lokoja.
Onoja urged Christians to register and get their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) toward the 2023 general elections, saying “it is a civic responsibility to them and their country.
The deputy governor also commended the leadership of CAN for the ongoing project at the CAN Secretariat, promising to influence support in getting the project completed.
He prayed God to make Nigeria and Kogi to be where they ought to be.
Earlier in his short Exhortation, entitled: ”Orderliness and Godliness in Leadership”, Pastor Joshua Omada, said that Christians were under obligations to maintain orderliness in leadership.
Taken his text in the Bible from the Book of 1 Corinthians 14:40, he said: ”Let all things be done decently and in order.
”We are under instruction to maintain orderliness; no one can be successful in leadership without godliness and orderliness.
”Godliness requires the necessity of self organisation and orderliness; our God is a God of principles. So we must follow his principles in structuring the body of Christ,” Omada said.
He prayed for the strengthening of the Church of Christ, with godliness and orderliness in leadership at all times.
Also, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Mr Ede Ayuba, represented by the Zonal Chaplain in the command, Venerable Timothy Kusanu, delivered lecture on Security tips and urged the church to support the police in prayer.
”We need the church to support the police so that we can continue to do well. We are ready to serve and work with you, but you must show us love
He stressed the need for the public to collaborate with police for the safety of all by giving the police the necessary information.
The Reporters reports that all the leaders of five blocs of CAN were present at the plenary.
The blocs are: Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), ECWA/TEKAN, Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/Pentecostal, Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN/PFN) and Organisation of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC).
