Christian Association of Nigeria Promises Regular Prayers for Leaders
By Moses Nwite, Abakaliki
The Christian Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter, has promised continuous prayers for Nigeria Leaders during the inauguration of her newly elected Executives.
The Inauguration was performed by the CAN National Secretary, Pastor Samson Fatotun, who represented the CAN National President, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.
Speaking at the event, Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, charged the association to avoid unfounded criticisms against the nation’s leaders.
Nwifuru said in as much as criticisms are necessary for the growth of any administration, it should be done maturely, devoid of acrimony and lies capable of destabilizing the polity.
The Governor urged CAN and indeed all Christians to pray for their leaders in order to derive good leadership from them.
Nwifuru said “Let us pray for our leaders; let us give them good directions. The time is gone for negative criticisms. Although criticisms are part of our growth, but if you must criticize, do that maturely with good and objective points. The leaders need your prayers to grow; we need your prayers to serve you better”.
Congratulating the new CAN executives, the Governor urged them to see their inauguration as a call to serve God and humanity, not for merchandise.
He also admonished them to be good ambassadors of the Church, and to take the message of good moral behaviours to their various denominations as a means of curbing social vices ravaging the nation at the present time.
The Governor added: “I want to congratulate all those that have been inaugurated today.
“And remember, this is not a call for business, it is not a call for money-making, but a call to serve God and humanity”
“Also, we want you to help us as ambassadors of Christ, in your various denominations to preach and talk to our people against all these social vices, letting them know that there is nothing as rewarding as exhibiting good characters.”
The new CAN Chairman, Rev. Scamb Nwokolo, in his inaugural address, appealed to all Church leaders to endeavor to speak with one voice on crucial matters affecting the life of the Church in Ebonyi State and the Nigeria in general.
He pledged to run an open-door administration devoid of all forms of exclusion and segregation, adding that his leadership would strive to sustain and build upon the legacies of his predecessor, including the reviving and rejigging of the School Evangelism Program of CAN in the State.
“We assure you that we will do our best relying on God’s grace to ensure that this body continues to perform its statutory function s in the face of contemporary challenges in our country.”
The CAN Vice Chairman, Reverend Joseph Nwibo, also promised his unalloyed support the new Chairman.
In a brief homily, the Abakaliki Synod Moderator of the Presbyterian church of Nigeria, Archbishop Chidi Igwe, admonished Christians to rise up, follow and support those whom God has chosen to lead them.
Others officials inaugurated with the Chairman included Rev. Joseph Nwibo as Vice Chairman, Rev Fr. Joseph Origbo as Secretary, Pastor Obed Elom and Senior Pastor Solomon Eriugo as Assistant Secretary and treasurer respectively, among others.
Nwokolo took over from Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali who is currently serving as the Southeast zonal CAN Chairman.