CAN urges calmness as deadline given to Southerners draw close

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on all Nigerians to stay where they reside peacefully without fear as October 1, deadline given to southerners by northern youths draw close.

CAN made the call at the Leadership Summit of the 19 Northern States popularly called Northern CAN including FCT, on Thursday in Abuja.

The summit organised by the association said every Nigerian had the right to live wherever they desired in any part of the country without fear of intimidation by any other group.

The Chairman of the association, Dr. Yakubu Pam, while speaking said CAN believed in the unity of Nigeria.

He said it was the primary responsibility of government at all levels, particularly the security agencies to ensure adequate security of lives and property of the every citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity and region.

“We call on our brothers and sisters from the south and those in the north to know that we are together and we believe in the unity of this country.

“As spiritual fathers, we have prayed, that they should be able to remove fear from their hearts and relax wherever they are, there is no power that pass power of prayer.

“We call on the Federal Government, state Governors of various states to call on their people; we need to live together in peace.

“All security agencies should be up and doing, so that, our people (southern brothers) will not be afraid.

“We also call on our traditional rulers, particularly, in the areas, to be conscious of security because protection of lives and property are largely respected,” Pam said.

Bishop John Praise, Presiding Bishop Dominion Chapel International, Abuja, also admonished every Nigerian to be a peacemaker in any position or level they found themselves.

“Peace is what every community needs, and we must all agitate for peace. Jesus Christ is the prince of peace and the believers are followers of Christ, we must be agitators of peace.

“We must be peace makers at any level,” he said.

Our correspondent reports that there is still tension among the populace, in spite the withdrawal of the ultimatum given to southerners in the north by the Coalition of the Northern Groups.