The Benue State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe has appealed to youths in the state not to participate in the planned October 1 protest.
The bishop who was represented by his vice chairman, Jonathan Ugbede made the appeal on Sunday during the Interdenominational Church Service to commemorate Nigeria 64th independence held at The Apostolic Church, Makurdi, Benue State capital.
The CAN boss applauded the state governor who he said has taken the state out of slavery to independence following his laudable achievements in the past one year plus in the saddle.
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According to him, “The government of Alia symbolizes independence, he has shifted the misnomer of the past to celebration.
“Therefore, am appealing to our youths in the state to remain indoor on October 1st, and not participate in the planned October protest, they should replicate the peace they adopted during the end bad government protest.
“Benue is one of the states that did not participate in the protest, so, I urge you to lock yourself indoors and ignore the protest.
He however encouraged the Church to continue to support the governor, saying, ‘if Alia fails, the Church has failed because, the governor is a priest and we should continue to support him to succeed.
Speaking at the occasion, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG , Deborah Aber called on the church to continue to preach the gospel of peace as the nation navigate through the present challenges.
He assured the people of the state of his administration to continue provide good governance through the provision of developmental projects and improved welfare.
He said, “My administration has been working tirelessly to bring sustainable development and strengthening the security agencies to ensure peace across the state.
The governor used the opportunity to canvass vote for candidates of the ruling All Progressive Congress in the coming local government election on Saturday.
He said, “Let me call on Benue people to go out enmmase and vote for APC candidates in the coming local government election holding on Saturday
“Through this, we will vote for development and good governance.”
He added, “Let me use this opportunity to call on the Church to continue to preach the gospel of peace.
In his sermon, the immediate past chairman of CAN, Rev. Akpen Leva admonished Nigerians to place their hope in God inspite of the challenges confronting the nation.
He likened Nigeria present situation to the Israelites journey in the wilderness and called on Nigerians to guide their loins and hope for better tomorrow.
“God knows why we are passing through this challenges this time, as a nation that is matching on crude oil but suffering fuel scarcity, protest will not solve the problem, God allows us to have this experience.
“He is the only one that can change the mind of the people, the joy is that God is with us on this journey, we should trust in Him that He will do a new thing in Nigeria,” the clergyman said.
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