- CAN President Okoh shuns spiritual platitudes, demands civic justice from FG
BY EDMOND ODOK – First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday pulled in different political directions, with a passionate appeal for religious unity and a blunt demand for aggressive governmental accountability as well as protection of citizens.
Speaking at the landmark national gathering and 50th-anniversary celebration of CAN, where the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, was honoured with its Christian Icon Award, the First Lady implored Christian denominations across the country to fiercely protect and sustain their unity.
But when the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh mounted the podium at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, the the tone shifted from spiritual unity to civic justice as he look power straight in the eye, delivering a blunt charge to the Federal Government and demanding that leadership protect its citizens, respect the Constitution, and fully account for public resources.
Senator Tinubu, who was the special guest of honour, congratulated CAN on five decades of service to God and humanity, noting that the anniversary theme, ‘Walking Together in Faith‘, perfectly mirrored the prayer of Jesus Christ for absolute unity among believers.
Making reference to John 17:21–22, the First Lady said the biblical passage underscored the importance of unity among Christians, while also citing Ephesians 4:4–6, which emphasises one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all.
“I pray that, just as Christ prayed for the saints, all the Christian blocs and denominations will continue to remain united in Jesus’ name,” she said and wished CAN more years of service in God’s vineyard and prayed for the continued progress of the association and Nigeria.
In a moving tribute to the Association’s enduring mission, the First Lady poured out a blessing of longevity and fruitfulness, saying: “I wish you many more fruitful years of service in the Lord’s vineyard. May God bless the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). God bless Nigeria.”
The CAN President, Archbishop Okoh, in his anniversary address, delivered a hard-hitting ultimatum to the presidency, demanding an ironclad commitment to strictly respect the Constitution, protect Nigerians and fully account for every kobo of public resources with no room for compromise.
Maintaining that the Association’s next 50 years should be marked by a more informed, courageous and evidence-based approach to national issues, the Clergy said the Church must hold leaders accountable without turning its interventions into partisan attacks, adding: “The message of the Church to those in governance must be clear. Govern well, serve faithfully, protect the people, respect the Constitution, account for public resources, listen to citizens, protect the vulnerable, strengthen institutions, and make Nigeria great.”
Okoh said CAN had spent the past five decades providing a common platform for Christians to address issues of shared interest, including religious freedom, justice, good governance, corruption, insecurity, humanitarian services and national development.
However, stressing that the golden jubilee should mark the beginning of a renewed national mission rather than merely celebrate past achievements, Archbishop Okoh urged the Church to remain vigilant on issues affecting justice, human dignity, democratic institutions, constitutionalism, peace, religious freedom and the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
He identified internally displaced persons, children denied education, unemployed young people, rural farmers unable to access their farmlands because of insecurity, women facing violence and victims of human trafficking among those whose interests the Church must defend.
According to him, “The gospel makes it impossible to remain indifferent in the living conditions of the vulnerable. Faith must find practical expression in compassion, service, and advocacy. The church must speak”, cautioning religious leaders against allowing their interventions in public affairs to become partisan attacks, urging them to distinguish facts from rumours and legitimate disagreements from injustice.
He stated that “The church’s public voice must therefore be truthful, informed, courageous, balanced, and responsible. Prophetic authority is strengthened when it is supported by credible evidence and careful analysis.”
Speaking to the relationship between the Church and the State, the CAN President called for “critical collaboration”, explaining that religious institutions should cooperate with the government where the common good required it and challenge authorities where justice demanded it.
Also, he stressed the need for the Church to maintain its independence while commending government policies that benefited Nigerians and speaking out against failures that undermined justice and accountability, declaring: “Nigeria can be better, and Nigeria will be better.”
The Clergyman, who challenged CAN to strengthen its capacity for research, advocacy, service and constructive engagement with public institutions, tasked Christians to contribute actively to national development, saying, “Pray for Nigeria. Pray for those in governance. Speak for Nigeria. Serve Nigeria. Build Nigeria. And heal Nigeria.”
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the Christian Icon Award as a humbling affirmation of faith, integrity, compassion, sacrifice and service, saying: “I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to receive the prestigious Christian Icon Award. I receive this award with great humility, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility.”
Acknowledging that the award goes beyond recognition of his public service, Senator Akume said it as an affirmation of the values that had guided his journey in public life, adding that he was accepting the honour on behalf of his family, colleagues, associates and Nigerians he had served.
On CAN’s golden anniversary, the SGF praised the body for its contributions to the Christian community and national development, particularly in promoting peace, unity, moral values and social cohesion, saying, “For fifty years, CAN has remained an important voice. At a time when our nation, like many societies around the world, faces complex challenges, the responsibility of religious institutions to promote peace, tolerance, compassion and responsible citizenship has never been greater”.
Further maintaining that that Christian faith had shaped his understanding of leadership, Akume said public office should be treated as an opportunity to serve rather than a privilege to be enjoyed, adding: “As Secretary to the Government of the Federation, I remain profoundly conscious of the enormous responsibility entrusted to me by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and of the duty to contribute to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda and to the building of a more prosperous, peaceful and united Nigeria”.
Highlights of the event included the awards to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd); former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former President Goodluck Jonathan; and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who received Pillar of Faith Awards. Also on the CAN’s honours list were Senator Akume, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde with Christian Icon Awards, among other honours presented at the event.
The celebration was a spectacular who’s-who of Nigerian statecraft, drawing a cross-generational crowd of top-tier political leaders, former administrative giants, and influential clerics. Walking the red carpet were key architects of national security and policy, including Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, and former SGF, Boss Mustapha, . They were joined by veteran political figures like former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and legendary former Information Minister Professor Jerry Gana to underscore the deep national significance of the gathering.
A celebration of five decades of faith and unity, the grand occasion marked a historic milestone for CAN, an organization forged in the crucible of August 1976 to serve as the definitive, unbreakable shield and common platform for Christians across Nigeria.
