DIRI TASKS NEW BAYELSA CAN LEADERS TO STRENGTHEN CHRISTIAN UNITY

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has called on Christian leaders in the state to strengthen unity within the Church and work collectively towards promoting peace and positive values in society.

Diri made the appeal on Tuesday during the inauguration of the newly constituted State Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Bayelsa chapter, in Yenagoa. The governor was represented at the event by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe.

The governor described unity as an important source of strength for the Christian community, saying a united Church would be better positioned to contribute meaningfully to the development of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

He, however, expressed concern over divisions, disagreements and personal interests within some sections of the Christian community. Diri said stronger cooperation would require members of different denominations to show love, understanding and willingness to make sacrifices for the common good.

According to him, political differences should not be allowed to divide the Church or weaken its ability to provide moral guidance to society.

Diri also urged Christian leaders to remain independent in their dealings with political authorities, stressing the importance of speaking truth to those in government regardless of political affiliation.

He said the Church should focus on preaching the genuine gospel while maintaining a non-partisan position and offering constructive guidance to leaders and citizens.

The governor congratulated the outgoing CAN executive council led by Rev. Father Joseph Opelema for its service and welcomed the newly inaugurated team. He expressed confidence that the new leadership would build on the existing relationship among Christian groups in the state and further strengthen cooperation within the body.

The new CAN leadership was inaugurated by the organisation's South-South Vice Chairman, Rev. Father Victor Ofili, who commended the Bayelsa chapter for maintaining unity and fulfilling its financial responsibilities to the national body.

Ofili also appealed to the state government to continue supporting CAN at both the state and regional levels.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Bayelsa CAN Chairman, Rev. Abili Samuel Abili, pledged to serve with humility and a strong sense of responsibility.

Abili thanked the Diri administration for what he described as its supportive relationship with the Christian community in the state. He also acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor and other stakeholders who supported his emergence as chairman.

Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Bishop Dotimi Egbegi as Vice Chairman, Rev. Father Raymond Ogiramkopu Ogio as Secretary and Senior Apostle Michael Makpa as Treasurer.

The inauguration attracted Christian leaders and other stakeholders from across Bayelsa, as well as government officials and political representatives.

The new leadership is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation among the various Christian blocs in the state while promoting peace, unity and the Church's contribution to society.