BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Perpetrators of crisis under the cover of religion have been warned to desist from such divisive acts or face the wrath of man and God as they will not be spared by the government.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who gave warning, however assured Christians in the State of a conducive environment to enable them practice their religion in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in recognition of the secularity of the country.
Mohammed while the newly elected leadership of the State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Sunday at the ECWA No 1, Bauchi, called on them to ensure they always promote peace and peaceful coexistence.
He said that it is only in a peaceful atmosphere that meaningful development and progress can be made, stressing that in a chaotic atmosphere, no one will be able to practice any religion.
Mohammed, who was represented by the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency (BAVOCA), Hassana Arkila, said that the present insecurity challenges across the country can only be tackled when all hands are joined in the fight saying that government alone cannot win the fight.
The governor tasked the new leadership of CAN to eschew bitterness and work together for peace and peaceful coexistence among the body of Christ which positive impact will be felt in the state.
In his remarks, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu challenged Christians to live in peace with everyone, saying that Christianity is a religion of peace and peaceful living.
The Emir, who was represented by the Wakilin Wajen Bauchi, Rev Saleh Abdu Tala, challenged the new leadership of CAN to unite the Church and preach peace and peaceful living.
He said that the state has had enough of religious crisis and needs peace which can only be promoted by everyone.
In his farewell message, outgoing CAN Chairman, Rev Joshua Ray Maina called for unity in the body of Christ in the state, saying that Christians have suffered enough of persecution across the country simply because there is no unity among them.
Maina, who recounted his six years stewardship, said that his leadership has done its possible best and is bowing out with shoulders high having led the CAN out of crisis in the state.
In his speech, the new Chairman, Rev Abraham Damina Dimeus assured that his leadership will not derail in promoting peace, unity and cooperation among Christians in Bauchi State, adding that it is only through such that the body of Christ can foster unity with others.
The New CAN Chairman declared that his administration will not tolerate gossips, side-talks and moves that will divide the Church just as he advised those in the habit of causing division in the Church to desist henceforth but should rather join hands to build a stronger Church.
Dimeus then assured that all the ongoing projects which include CAN Secretariat and CAN College of Nursing and Midwifery will be completed by his administration.
