Debo Adeoye – Ibadan
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu has called on the governors of the 36 states of the federation to rise up and defend lives, property as well as their territories.
Pastor Akanmu stated this in his Sallah message to the people of Oyo State and by extension, the entire nation. While addressing some journalists at his residence in Ibadan, he also queried the statutory responsibilities of the Federal government as well as National Assembly considering the present state of the nation.
“Looking at the situation we found ourselves now in Nigeria, the only alternative available to us as someone that God Has entrusted into his hands the care of His people is to turn to Almighty God and our governors for protection of lives of every individual living in their various states. Nothing to hide again, federal government has failed Nigerians so also are those we elected to represent and fight for us at the national assembly.”
“A nation that could not find solution to insurgency that consistently claiming lives of quite a number of its armies (so cheaply) for more than two years is a failed nation. That could not have happened in a nation where lives of citizens are valued. Have we forgotten that those soldiers killed by the terrorists were children to some parents, breadwinners to some families and parents to some children.”
“Overwhelming number of families have been torn apart through insurgency and violence, leaving thousands of single mothers struggling to provide for their families alone, and many, many children without the love and care of their parents. Yet we did not see anything wrong because they were soldiers, but we are expecting protection from their colleagues that are lucky to still be alive.”
Meanwhile, Pastor Akanmu commended Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State for the steps taken so far by the governor on security of lives and property and his commitment to ensure that the state is safe for everyone. He also stated the readiness of CAN to cooperate with the governor to achieve the great tasks before him.
“I have to commend the governor of Oyo State, Enginner Seyi Makinde, he has done well on security issue, he has visited places, including relevant authorities, his decision so far on security of live and property in the state is in good order. I have the believe that he would not relent in his effort to make Oyo State a reference point to other states.
“Let me also assure our people in Oyo State, Christians and non-Christians that CAN in Oyo State will double efforts to support the state government to tackle insecurity, violence, discord, unemployment in the state. In fact, we are starting the project with prayer that will involve everyone in the state, to seek God’s face first, follow it up with workshop and series of consultations. Our findings and resolution on security and progress of this state will be submitted to the governor,” Akanmu clarified.
He also disclosed to the people of Oyo State the cordial relationship that exist between the leaderships of the two prominent religions in the state and as well send Eid-el Kabir greetings to Muslims throughout Nigeria.
“As Muslims throughout Nigeria and Oyo State in particular celebrate Eil-de Kabir, I pray for the safety and security of our communities, and that this time may offer a most blessed encounter with God and a peaceful encounter with all who may benefit from our faith and fraternity. It is also good to let our people know that the relationship between the leaderships of the two monotheistic religions in Oyo State exemplify the deeply-felt fraternity that Muslims and Christians can experience in spite of the differences that have defined us for too long. So, we must keep living together in peace and harmony, God bless us all, amen,” Pastor Akanmu concluded.
