'We will not patronise the government',new president promises

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has appointed a new president, Dr. Supo Samson Ayokunle.

News Express reports that Ayokunle, who is also the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, was inaugurated on July 20, 2016, in Abuja.

During the inauguration, the new president promised to check the government, rather than patronise it.

“We are committed to supporting the governments of the day in Nigeria, both the federal and state in all ways to achieve noble goals that would lead to development in the nation.

CAN is not anti-government and the government should not be anti-CAN. We are supposed to be partners-in-progress. Each should respect the boundaries that would lead to mutual respect.

However, we are not going to patronise the government and thereby fail in our responsibilities to speak against the excesses of those in political leadership. The church is in the world to improve the world and shine as light of the world.

The church essentially is not of the world. We should stand out courageously and stand clean. We are aware that we are called to serve the body of Christ at the most challenging time for the church", he said.

Ayokunle also called for unity in CAN, after his predecessor, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, spoke on his six-year tenure.

“To all Christians in Nigeria, we are entering a more challenging period in the history of our nation. Unfortunately, it is also the time that we seems to view CAN with some contempt.

Yes! CAN may have her challenges, but for now we have no other body that unite us as CAN. So, we must revere the structure and leadership. Let us continue to pray for our land and leaders", Oritsejafor said.

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He was supported by the new president.

“Without unity in CAN, there cannot be progress. By the grace of God we intend to lead CAN whose leadership is above board and would be able tom provide credible leadership for Christians and other Nigerians to follow.

I appeal once again that we let all in-fightings and name callings come to an end. Let us embrace one another as members of God’s family where is no North, South, West or East,” Ayokunle said.

Do you think the new CAN president will live up to his promise?