Christmas Palliatives: CAN Wants Those Found Diverting Rice Punished

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN has asked the Niger State Government to punish anyone found to have diverted the Christmas rice palliatives donated to Christians in the state through the association.

It was said that some government officials took it upon themselves to share the palliatives rather than allowing CAN officials to handle the exercise.

It was also alleged that some of the government officials diverted some of the bags of rice to their “foundations” during the sharing.

Apparently reacting to the development, the state CAN Chairman, Most Reverend Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said the organisation welcomed the new sharing policy but submitted that: “We are beyond grateful for the new initiatives and modality introduced this year for the sharing of the Christmas gift of rice to the Christians in the state

“I am very delighted with this new development and we are giving one hundred percent support to the idea. I believe most people will benefit from your generosity and kindness, especially with modality we also introduced to the share given the CAN body at the Local Government Areas of the State”.  

“Please your Excellency, do not hesitate to punish those who may want to subvert or circumvent any of the laid down procedures for the sharing formula so as to a serve as a deterrent to others” Reverend Yohanna said in his Christmas message made available to newsmen in Minna on Wednesday. 

In the message themed: “A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 13:34), Dr. Yohanna noted: “At these times of economic hardship where most people can no longer afford to eat three square meals or feed their families, let us extend our love by giving and sharing the little we have.”

He added: “It is by so doing that the new commandment of love will be expressed in action not by words of mouth but by what we say and do”

The CAN Chairman also sued for peace and unity among the faithful pointing out that: “Christmas beckons all to set aside discord and embrace love, fostering relationships founded on comprehension and mutual esteem” which he said:  “By centering on these ideals, we can convey a more profound message of solidarity during this joyous season” and beyond

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Yohanna also drummed support for Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and his administration saying he has been running “a government of inclusiveness and accountability which I believe will go a long way in bringing about progress and development in the state which has suffered many setbacks in past”.

Meanwhile, Governor Bago for the first time in the history of the state sent Christmas and New year greeting cards and roll up banners to all Christians through their churches.

Bago assured of transparent leadership and determination to bring to fruition the New Niger Agenda in the banners.