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Tag: Archbishop Daniel Okoh

  • Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Opposes Military Intervention in Niger Crisis, Advocates for Peaceful Resolution

    Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Opposes Military Intervention in Niger Crisis, Advocates for Peaceful Resolution

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has taken a strong stance against the possibility of a military intervention in the crisis unfolding in Niger. In a statement issued in Abuja, CAN called for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the preservation of democratic principles. The organization’s position coincides with the ongoing deliberations by the ECOWAS Heads of Government regarding potential military intervention in the Republic of Niger.

    CAN’s statement emphasized the significance of maintaining stability in the West African region. Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, underlined the importance of upholding democratic values, peace, and stability in the region.

    “We firmly believe that achieving lasting peace requires safeguarding democratic processes, respecting national sovereignty, and engaging in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and settle conflicts,” stated Archbishop Okoh.

    The organization commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ECOWAS Heads of Government for their unwavering commitment to discouraging coup d’états and forcible takeovers of power. CAN also acknowledged President Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts, including sending a high-level delegation led by General Abdulsalam Abubakar to engage with authorities in Niger.

    CAN highlighted the unity demonstrated by Nigerian leaders in transcending religious and ethnic divisions to collaboratively pursue peace in the region. The association also praised other prominent leaders who engaged with Nigerien authorities using their private connections, noting that their wisdom and experience will contribute to resolving the crisis and restoring peace.

    In conclusion, CAN called upon all stakeholders involved in the Niger crisis to prioritize peaceful negotiations and diligently work towards a sustainable resolution. Archbishop Okoh stressed that achieving peace requires collective effort and unwavering commitment for the progress, stability, and prosperity of the nations involved. The statement closed with a prayer for the Republics of Nigeria, Niger, and all ECOWAS nations.

  • CAN preaches peace to politicians ahead of 2023 elections

    CAN preaches peace to politicians ahead of 2023 elections

    The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised politicians and political office holders to shun violence. CAN urged politicians to always note that the 2023 elections is not a do-or-die affair. It also called on Nigerians to vote God fearing people into offices in the forthcoming elections.
    A statement issued  yesterday by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh said: “As we gear up to elect new sets of leaders at both the federal and state levels in the first quarter of 2023, Christmas is a reminder that God has not forsaken us. Therefore, we should pray to God to open our eyes to be able to discern and vote for those who will govern the nation with godly fear and devotion. Let those contesting for elective positions realize that the forthcoming election is not a do-or-die affair; rather, it is God who gives power to whoever he pleases. They should eschew violent conduct and toe the path of honour and peace as they campaign for votes.

    “We should not allow fear of insecurity and violence cause us to stay away from voting during the 2023 general election. Let us remember that the spirit we have received from God through the coming of Christ into the world is not of fear but of power, and of love, and of sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). Religious and political leaders as well as the media should use this Christmas season to reinforce the hope of the masses in a better, more peaceful and secure Nigeria come 2023.

    “This year, we are celebrating Christmas in Nigeria amidst uncertainty, fear, untold suffering, hardship and pain in the face of a harsh economy, record inflation figures, worsening poverty situation and a weakened security system due to bad governance. This precarious situation in our national life can be likened to the sufferings, helplessness and hopelessness of the Israelites as a result of the decisions of their leaders to forsake God and pursue after their bellies which they have made into gods through greed, selfishness and blatant corruption.

    “Let the Yuletide season be a period of strengthening ourselves and others; reminding one another that there is no difficult situation that the presence of Jesus cannot address; giving hope to the hopeless; comforting the oppressed and being the voice of the voiceless. The prophecies of the birth of our Lord assures us His enduring presence which delivers from all troubles and will surely restore the dignity and joy of our dear country, Nigeria,” the statement read in part.

  • Archbishop Daniel Okoh Elected as New CAN President

    Archbishop Daniel Okoh Elected as New CAN President

    The General Assembly of the Christian Association of Nigeria on Thursday formally validated the election of Archbishop Daniel Okoh as its new President, thereby outing to an end the tenure of Dr. Samson Supo Ayokunle.

    His recommendation by an Electoral College which was set up to screen and suggest candidates for the offices of the President and Vice President, respectively, as presented by the blocs that have rights of nomination was in line with the provisions of the 2021 CAN constitution as amended.

    Okoh, the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church International, Onitsha, emerged as the new spiritual leader of CAN, after getting a 100 per cent vote of all 259 delegates who participated in its 12th General Assembly and is expected to serve a single five-year term.

    The new CAN President, in his acceptance speech, charged President Muhammadu Buhari to quell the rising insecurity in the country.

    He said, “While thanking the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), for his efforts to combat terrorism and banditry, I would like to appeal to His Excellency to end the bloodletting, kidnapping and general insecurity in all the geo-political zones of the country.

    “I believe that government can do more to secure the lives and property given all the modern technology within its reach.”

    According to him, the need for CAN to respond appropriately to national issues became imperative.

    He assured that the apex Christian organisation would continue to participate actively and effectively in nation building

    He said, “We are coming in at the time that all of us in the Christian faith, believe that some section of political leaders are not sensitive to the diverse nature of our population when certain decisions are being made.

    “Many Christians feel and have the genuine fear that there is a deliberate plan to remove the Christian faith from the scheme of things and make us second-class citizens in our own country – genuine fear borne out of the recent happenings in our polity i.e. the same-faith ticket in one of the major political parties in Nigeria despite the caution raised by CAN since two years ago.

    “Whatever happens, no matter how many times our sensibilities are insulted, we must resolve to make a positive impact on the political, economic and social systems of our dear nation.”

    Nevertheless, Okoh stated that for Christians to remain relevant in the scheme of things, the first step was to increase CAN’s efforts to work towards Christian unity and mutual understanding among the denominations of the Church in Nigeria.

    Ayokunle told his successor to love the people irrespective of their weaknesses.

    “The people will annoy him, make him angry, and may not even appreciate him, but he must continue to seek the good of the people,” he advised.