Northern CAN Decides not to Pull Out, Condemns Religious Killings in Zamfara

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Northern delegates of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) oh Monday rescinded their earlier decision to pull out of the national body and form a different body, just as it condemned the recent religious killings in Zamafara.

In a communique issued at the end of the maiden CAN delegates meeting held at COCIN Headquarters in Jos, the group said they will not pull put to form a different body outside CAN.

In the resolution, which was signed by the duo of Rev, Dr. Yakubu Pam and Rev. John Hayab, Northern CAN Chairman and Public Relations Officer, respectively, the delegates drawn from all the Northern States and Federal Capital Territory, aligned themselves with the parent body of CAN.

The resolution, which was made available to THISDAY, read thus: “It was agreed by all delegates at the meeting that Northern CAN would not pull out of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to form a different body.

“The delegates also resolved that nobody or group outside the. Northern CAN Chairman or the Public Relations Officer of CAN should speak or issue a statement on behalf of Northern CAN henceforth.

“The delegates condemn in its totality the recent killings and religious radicalism that was displayed at Zamfara College of Education by some students of Islamic faith.

“We call on government to ensure Christian students at secondary and higher institutions in the North are given full protection from any form of molestation.

“The delegates also resolved that Northern Governors as Chief Security Officers of their respective states should ensure Christians in their states are not intimidated, molested or killed by religious fanatics under any guise.

“Northern CAN delegates at the meeting also expressed their reservation over the recent visit of the United States Secretary of State to Nigeria John Kerry that excluded Christian leaders from meeting him, rather chose to make his first point-of-call Sokoto to meet the Sultan and select Northern Governors.

“The Christian leaders in the North also called on the unemployed youths in the north to go into farming rather than be waiting endlessly for white collar jobs that are unavailable.

“The Northern CAN delegates also called on the Federal Government to do all it can to bring lasting peace to north-east region to enable IDPs return to their homes.

‘They also condemn in strong terms under age marriages, abductions in some parts of the Northern States.

“The Northern CAN leaders also frowned at ongoing land grabbing in some states of the north by some persons or group bent on causing crises in the north, advising government to halt activities of these group of persons.

“The church leaders frown at cases of corruption at high and low places in the country, suggesting that those in position of authority should use their offices to better the lot of the people of Nigeria.”