Ayokunle, Oritsejafor counsel Christians on unity

The newly-elected President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend (Dr) Samson Ayokunle, has urged Christians across the country to stand united in the faith to ensure the spread of the gospel.

He also urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the recent killings of Christians.

Ayokunle, who took over the mantle of leadership of the CAN last week, also noted that his position is a call to service of God’s people and called for the support of all Christians.

Ayokunle, who noted that now was the time, more than ever, for Christians to be united, added that “a house divided against itself cannot stand,” calling on government at all levels to ensure the security of lives of all Christians in the face of recent attacks based on religion.

In a related development, the immediate past president of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has called on Christians to unite and pray for the nation’s leaders, especially in these trying times.

The cleric stated this in his address at the inauguration.

Oritsejafor, who thanked national officers of CAN, bloc leaders, members of the National Executive Council; former CAN presidents, church leaders and Christians for their support at moving CAN forward, in his message to the new president, congratulated him and his deputy, Professor Joseph Otubu on being chosen to lead the flock of God at this time, stating that “I want to give you the assurance of my total support and encouragement at all times.”

Noting the many achievements during his tenure as president, including the standardisation of CAN elections at state and zonal levels; providing support to victims of insurgency in terms of scholarships, aid and empowerment programmes; building of the CAN Jubilee Resort and Leadership Training Centre; uniting the church and expanding the gospel regardless of denomination, doctrines and regions, Pastor Oritsejafor stated that “God has truly been faithful to us that time and space will not permit me to mention how our leadership has helped the growth and development of the church and Nigeria in general.

“To all Christians in Nigeria, we are entering a more challenging period in the history of our nation. CAN may have its challenges, but for now we have no other body that unites us as CAN so we must respect the structure and leadership. Let us continue to pray for our land and leaders,” Oritsejafor stated.