The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State chapter, has denied the marginalisation of Christians by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in the state.
In a press briefing at St. Patrick Church in Maiduguri on Monday, the CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Dr John Bogna Bakeni, who is also the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, said that CAN and the Christian community have a good and cordial relationship with Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who has done a lot for Christians and is still doing more.
He noted that a social media post that went viral, alleging the marginalisation of Christians in Borno State, is not from CAN. He added that people in the state have experienced the ugly side of violence and destruction and are not ready to go back to that era.
According to Rev. Bakeni, CAN is not a pressure group or a political party but a law-abiding association that works for the unity of Christians and building a peaceful and harmonious society, working hand-in-hand with other religious bodies, the government, and all relevant stakeholders.
“We distance ourselves from any act of violence or provocation.
“Whatever is written on social media or any other media outlet is not from CAN. My principle as the Chairman of CAN in Borno State at this time is that what dialogue cannot give you, violence and confrontation cannot give you either.
“The values that hold us together are love, peace, and justice for all. We preach peace, uphold peace, and work for peace. And that is why we are living in peace with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Borno State.
“In terms of our relationship with the government, let me say that CAN and the Christian community have a good and cordial relationship with the government of the day.
The government of Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has done a lot for us and is still doing more in the following areas:
“Has continued the rehabilitation and reconstruction of churches that were destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgency, especially in southern Borno.
This was started by our current Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during his tenure, and His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has continued in that line.
“Sponsorship of Christians for pilgrimage to the Holy Land every year. In fact, the Executive Secretary and coordinator of the Christian Pilgrim have just returned from a pre-visit to the pilgrimage sites in preparation for the 2023–2024 main pilgrimage.
“Reaching out to the Christian community with gifts and cash donations at Christmas and Easter periods. Palliatives are also given to our Christian women and widows by the wives of the Vice President, Her Excellency Nana Kashim, and the Governor, Her Excellency Dr. Falmata Umara Zulum.
“Sponsoring the transportation of our brothers and sisters from the South-South, South-East, and West during the festive seasons.
“Appointment of our Christian sons and daughters in his cabinet. 6. After so many years of advocacy, the current government has started the recruitment of Christian teachers to teach the Christian religion in public schools and many more.
What I have stated above is real and verifiable.
“That is not to say that Christians have no challenges in Borno State; of course, we have, but we will continue to engage the government in dialogue with a view to addressing them.
We, therefore, want to have more access to better results through dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and other relevant stakeholders. We know very well where we are coming from and where we are in terms of security challenges.
“We have all tested and experienced the ugly side of violence and destruction, and we will not want to go back to that era.
We love our governor, we respect our governor, and we appreciate the relentless and selfless services and sacrifices of our governor in restoring peace and bringing development to our state.
As such, CAN will continue to support the government of the day and will continue to work with the government towards sustaining the peace that we are already enjoying due to the hard work, commitment, and responsible leadership of our governor.
He appreciated the courage and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces, praying that God would reward those who have paid the supreme price in the course of their service to their fatherland with eternal life in his kingdom.
The CAN Chairman also condoled the death of his spokeswoman, Malam Isa Gusau, who passed away recently.
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