CAN SAYS IT WILL SPEAK AGAINST GOVERNMENT FAILURES

The Christian Association of Nigeria says it will continue to criticise the Federal Government when its policies or actions fail to protect citizens or affect their rights.

CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh made the statement on Friday in Abuja during a press conference marking the association’s 50th anniversary.

Okoh said CAN was neither a political opposition party nor an organisation established to praise the government. He said the association would cooperate with authorities when policies promote public welfare but would speak out when injustice or insecurity affects Nigerians.

The CAN president also called for stronger action against insecurity, saying terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and communal violence continued to affect communities across the country.

He urged security agencies to improve early warning and response systems and strengthen cooperation with communities and civil society organisations.

On religious issues, Okoh said CAN would continue to raise concerns about attacks and discrimination against Christians but stressed that defending Christians should not be interpreted as hostility towards Muslims or other religious groups.

He also urged political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 elections to focus on policies rather than religious, ethnic or regional divisions.

Okoh called for measures to address economic hardship, including unemployment and rising living costs, and said government policies should improve access to food, healthcare, education and housing.

He said CAN would use its 50th anniversary to renew its commitment to Christian unity, national development and responsible engagement with government.