By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Samson Ayokunle on Monday in Lokoja said until the nation leaders imbibe the spirit of sincerity and fear of God, the country may not receive the desired change.
Dr. Ayokunle made the assertion on Monday at the official inauguration of government House chapel for Christian worshippers built by the present administration under the tutelage of Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
The CAN President who frowned at the slow pace of federal road project slammed the government for its inability to complete the over 200kms Abuja-Lokoja highway that has been under construction for over 15 years ago.
He said the lukewarm attitude towards the construction of Abuja -Lokoja highway remains a sore thumb in the life of various leaderships at the federal level, stressing that until the nation leaders imbibe the spirit of sincerity and fear of God, the country may not receive the desired change.
“Lokoja-Abuja highway is a shame of the country. Do something and remove this shame, 15 years constructing a 200kms road is a shame”, he expressed.
He said Nigeria is a complex nation with different ethnic, religious and socio-cultural backgrounds, adding that with its endowed human and materials resources, if properly harnessed, the country would join comity of great states, and dust off the present hardships that has bedeviled the nation.
He said a society devoid of justice, oppression will take the centre stage, noting that for the country to be great, it’s needed justice, fairness, and the mutual respect for one another in all segment to be guided in the society.
The CAN president who said the present generation of people in the country are sophisticatedly educated hinted that it’s no longer easy to use old trick to deceive people and get away with it.
“While practicing democracy, let us use our native wisdom. Where you are included, you sees government as your own, and where you are excluded, you agitate to right the wrongs. we need justice, fairness and mutual respect in Nigeria”, he said.
In his remarks, Governor Yahaya Bello who was represented by his deputy, Chief Edward Onoja said he thanked God for giving them the wisdom and strength to construct a chapel for Christian denomination in the seat of government.
He stressed that the adherents of various religion, particularly, Moslem, Christian and traditional worshippers are abound in every family setting in the state, saying that when people are dissatisfied with certain policy in the society, it beholds on the leadership to take bold move and rectify the situation.
He added that people should not allow their grievances to degenerate to violence, but take the part of dialogue to resolve issues to the benefits all.
