Hundreds of Christian clerics under the auspices of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) staged a peaceful protest to the gate of Government House, Port Harcourt, demanding an end to the Southern Kaduna killings.
The protesters were received at the Government House, Port Harcourt gate by the Representative of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Chief of Staff, Engineer Chukwuemeka Woke . The Christian leaders presented a letter for President Buhari to the representative of the governor, asking him to transmit same to the President.
In an address on behalf of the Rivers State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Primate ICT Anyanasikike called on President Muhammadu Buhari to end the genocide in Southern Kaduna.
The Rivers CAN called on President Muhammadu Buhari to rise and confront the hydra headed monster of Islamic Jihadists.
They further urged the Federal Government to declare a national day of mourning in the nation.
The Rivers CAN Chairman declared: “Let Mr President allay the fears of the people in the current imbalance which clearly exists in the appointments of security personnel, agencies and managers of national security”.
They called on the Federal Government to begin the process of reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected communities in Southern Kaduna. The Rivers CAN called for the restoration of all the villages occupied by the Islamic fundamentalists and compensation paid to victims.
In his response, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike assured the Rivers CAN leaders that their letter would get to the President.
He urged them to remain peaceful, pointing out that development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace.
The governor said that his administration will continue to promote religious harmony through its programmes.
He said: ” I thank you for your peaceful disposition in the course of your procession. I have received this message on behalf of the governor and the message will be passed to the President.
“Let me also assure you that Governor Wike believes in one indivisible Nigeria.He believes in the rule of law and the freedom of association that is why in Rivers State, there is no disharmony in terms of religion.
“Our Government suports religion, our government supports God. We believe that except God builds a city, the builder builds in vain. We are recording success in the security of the state because God is involved “
