The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a direct call to President Bola Tinubu’s administration to abandon excuses and urgently secure the lives and property of citizens as the nation’s security crisis spirals. Speaking on Wednesday at the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) at the Presbyterian Church in Abuja, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh declared, “The government has a constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians without discrimination, without delay, and without excuses.”
Archbishop Okoh sounded the alarm over the country’s mounting instability, warning that the deteriorating situation “threatens the very soul of the nation.” Referencing the Assembly’s theme, “Demand for Justice and Righteousness,” he insisted the moment demands “unified Christian advocacy and unwavering national responsibility.” Okoh challenged the government to move urgently beyond rhetoric, stating, “Our voices must not waver. Our message must remain consistent and sincere.” He implored the CCN to back CAN’s push for robust national action, emphasizing the Church’s duty to demand justice and stand firm for communities devastated by violence.
The CAN President set out a series of measures for the federal government, including: Strengthening security institutions and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of violent crimes, Supporting displaced families and rebuilding destroyed communities and Addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.
“We must defend vulnerable groups and uphold Christ-like values in all our daily actions,” Okoh charged church leaders, noting that Christian witness “will not be judged merely by our prayers or magnificent sanctuaries, but by how faithfully we reflect the character of Christ in our commitment to justice, compassion, and righteousness.” Okoh lauded the Christian Council of Nigeria for its decades-long contributions, reiterating CAN’s partnership and commitment to promoting moral integrity and national healing.
As he formally opened the gathering’s 96th anniversary celebrations, Okoh expressed hope that the deliberations would fortify the collective resolve “to build a Nigeria where justice flows and citizens live free from fear.” The message from CAN resonates amid growing demands from civil society for President Tinubu’s government to move decisively to address the surge in violent attacks and restore confidence in public safety.
