“Whoever is not with me is against me and whoever does not gather with me is scattering.”
-Luke 11:23
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is one group that practically betrayed Christianity in the run up to the February 25th 2023 presidential election by their inaction and silence in the face of tumultuous existential threats to the religion of Christianity in Nigeria. It is not as if most Christians take any word from that quarters serious, but for the fact that these bunch of persons have appropriated for themselves the positions of custodians of the best interest of Christians in Nigeria, it is an act of treachery that when it mattered most, they buckled under the ethical baggage of treachery and political bickering.
Although long before the electioneering campaigns that would usher in the most important general election which has now taken place on February 25th 2023, the body known as Christian Association of Nigeria had operated like one amorphous group with no clearly defined mandate especially in the face of the glaring persecution of Christians and the massive terrorist attacks targeting churches and Christians all around the Country.
The failure of this platform to rise to the occasion and speak truth to power and then to galvanise and mobilise Christians to adopt active civil disobedient strategy to compel the relevant security chiefs and the Commander-in-Chief to take concrete steps to stem the tides of attacks on churches and the massive decimation of Christians, clearly depicted it, as an association that does not have a defined mandate.
CAN which was originally founded in 1976, and originally only contained the Catholic church and mainline protestant groups, now have all kinds of groups identifying themselves as Christians which may have diluted their resolve to fight and win necessary ‘battles’ (non-violent battles) on behalf of Christians especially in the area of defending the religion in Nigeria.
CAN was later to expand to include Pentacostal churches as well. In the year 2,000 CAN protested faintly and unsuccessfully against the unconstitutional adoption of shariah law in Northern Nigeria.
CAN supposedly is clothed with the following mandate which are to serve as basis for response to the unity of the church, especially as contained in the Lord’s pastoral prayer “that all may be one” (John17; 21).
Secondly, CAN is set up to promote understanding, peace, and unity among the various peoples and strata of society in Nigeria, through the propagation of the gospel. The most strategic mandate of this body ought also to be the consistent awakening of all members to the need for each one of us to defend the faith using every available legal means possible, especially in the face of a well determined Jihadist war of attrition targeted at Body of Christ in Nigeria.
But has CAN done any of these and to what extent did it speak for the political interest of Christians just before the contentious 2023 election in which the political party in power that control all the legal means of coercion and controlled violence, shoved aside Christianity and opted to feature a muslim-muslim ticket for the office of the President/VP of Nigeria at a time that Christians have come under considerable attacks?
CAN chose to be silent and prevarication dangerously at a time it should provide a clear guide to her members to use all legal means to see to it that the president and the vice president of Nigeria are not persons of same opposing faith which negates the interest of millions of Christians.
CAN played the treacherous card by maintaining conspiratorial silence and permitting the coming into being of a same faith modern day presidency in Nigeria.
Even when the only outstanding Christian candidate Peter Obi of the Labour Party who played the pan-Nigerian card by nominating a resoected Muslim as his Vice President, CAN was dangerously silent when the votes were been manipulated by INEC to take out of the contest through clear cut rigging, the major Christian Presidential candidate, this CAN of worms has remained silent.
Yet CAN has the temerity to attack a company like peak milk that denigrated the religion through the Easter Friday Commercial it put up to promote her product. Which of these two treacherous bodies should be embraced? Methinks CAN’S treachery is more deadly than this sickening but damaging commercial by PEAK MILK. CAN has perennially failed to speak out for Christians under persecution and has never in recent times, publish a data of the number of Churches attacked by Jihadists and the number of Christians slaughtered including the many Pastors that have similarly been killed.
Only groups such as Intersociety which is globally known and respected for strongly advocating for end of religious radicalism through propagation of radical Islamism and fanatical Christianity in Nigeria since 2010 and has issued not less than twenty special reports or publications associated with them.
Intersociety has also earned a name and international respectability as Nigeria’s leading anti-Christian persecution and radical Islamism watchdog and was admitted as a member of the United States-based International Alliance against Genocide since 2020.
The group in a publication today wrote as follows: “We have been closely monitoring patterns and trends of anti-Christian persecution since 2010 and killing of minority Muslims and moderate others by non-state actor armed Islamists and Muslim dominated Nigerian security forces from 2015 to 2023.
“The patterns and trends of the state actor religious butcheries under our close watch include introduction of state radical Islamism policy by the outgoing Government of Nigeria in 2016, introduction of Nigerian security forces dimension to anti-Christian butcheries across the country such as pro-Islamic internal security operations in Eastern Nigeria since 2016 involving ethnic and religious profiling associated with atrocious military operations in the East and the military protected invasion of Eastern Christian forests, bushes and farmlands by Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen since 2016.
“We have monitored and tracked massacre of Christians and burning down or destruction of their sacred places of worship, religious symbols, Christian schools and living houses and farmlands across the country. These are done or carried out using research, investigation, documentation and publications. We also generate statistics from local and international media, religious, community, security, research, intergovernmental, nongovernmental, international parliamentary organizations or diplomatic institutions.
5,068 Christians hacked to death in 2022 and hundreds disappeared without traces
In January 2022, Intersociety updated its special report, disclosing that ‘5,191 defenseless Christians were hacked to death in 2021 and 3,800 others abducted by Nigeria’s Islamic Jihadists’. Intersociety had also in its Special Report of 14th July 2022 stated that from January to June 2022, ‘no fewer than 2,543 Christians were hacked to death and 1,401 others abducted; out of which, 10% or 140 captured Christians were not capable of returning alive’. We had further disclosed in the report that ‘out of the 2,543 total Christian deaths, Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen accounted for 1,913’. In our report of 7th Nov 2022, ‘4020 defenseless Christians were slaughtered in Nigeria in Jan to Oct 2022 by the country’s Islamic terror Jihadists’ and Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen and their regionally assembled allied Islamic terror groups accounted for 2,650 of the 4020 Christian deaths while ISWAP, Boko Haram and Ansaru Jihadists accounted for 450 and the Fulani (Zamfara) Bandits 370 deaths. The Nigerian security forces particularly the Nigerian Army accounted for no fewer than 550 deaths linked to killings on the ground of ethnic and religious profiling. In this report, it is found that the 2022 ended disastrously for Nigerian Christians with 5,068 deaths, from 4,020 in January to Oct 2022; an increase of 1,048 Christian deaths. Out of this, Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen and Fulani Bandits (Zamfara Bandits) accounted for 528 Christian deaths, Boko Haram, ISWAP and others 200 deaths, Nigerian Military 100 deaths and “dark figures of crime” 200 Christian deaths. The ‘dark figures of crime’ of 200 Christian deaths’ include the abducted Christians that are most unlikely to return to their families alive. The 2022 special report of ours also identified Benue State as the worst hit with at least 560 Christian deaths, followed by Kaduna 520 deaths, Taraba 479 deaths, Niger 354 deaths; Plateau 348, Borno 340 and South-East 350 deaths (mostly occurred in Enugu). Bauchi State also recorded not less than 49 Christian deaths between Nov and Dec 2022.
Why we are adopting WWL report of 4,756 abducted Nigerian Christians in 2022
Intersociety had noted in its Nov 7, 2022 report that ‘not less than 2,315 defenseless Christians were abducted from Jan to Oct 2022 and that ‘in 2021, over 3,800 were abducted’. Also noted was the fact that ‘not less than 1401 Christians were abducted between January and June 2022 and 915 between July and Oct 2022; totaling 2,315’; out of which 10% or 231 were incapable of returning alive to their families alive as they are likely to have been killed in captivity for refusing to convert to Islam or pay huge ransoms demanded’.
But CAN instead of defending the faith has again embarked on a non relevant issue of tackling the wayward Peak milk company that obviously offended Christians through their irrational advert on Good Friday. The company apologised today.
The company wrote thus: the management of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, manufacturers of Peak Milk, has apologised to the Christian Association of Nigeria for using the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote their product on Good Friday, saying the social media’ advertisement has been withdrawn.
While acknowledging the sensitivity of the social media post “considering the sobriety of the season,” the organisation said it was neither intended to make light of the significance of the season nor to inordinately exploit the unmatched sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
The Executive Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc (Corporate Affairs), Ore Famurewa, expressed remorse in a letter to the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh dated April 10 2023, titled, “Apology for the Good Friday social media post by the Peak Brand”, obtained by the PUNCH on Tuesday morning (4:24 am).
“We hereby restate our commitment to our unwavering mission of nurturing Nigeria while maintaining the respect of all religious laws, tenets and guidelines.
“Once again, please accept our deepest apology and pledge to prevent a reoccurrence of such in the future. Do accept the assurances of my esteemed regards”, Famurewa said.
In a statement made available to The media by its General Secretary, Joseph Daramola, of CAN described the advertisement as “insensitive, offensive, and totally unacceptable.”
While warning all companies and organisations to be mindful of the religious and cultural sensitivities of their customers when promoting their products, CAN said it was considering serious sanctions on the firm, including a boycott of their products by Christians.
The organisation said it would not tolerate any attempt to trivialize or disrespect our faith.
Since the advertisement, there had been a public outcry among Christendom which described it as “blasphemous.”
Daramola said the advertisement was not only disrespectful to the Christian faith but also an affront to the millions of Christians in Nigeria and beyond.
He had said, “Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians all over the world, a day we commemorate the death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who was crucified on the cross for our sins. It is not a day to be used for crass commercial purposes.
“FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC’s action is not only disrespectful to the Christian faith but also an affront to the millions of Christians in Nigeria and beyond. We are deeply disappointed that a company of such repute would stoop so low to exploit the religious sentiments of its customers for profit.
“We are considering sanctions against FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, including a boycott of their products by our members and all well-meaning Nigerians who share our concerns. We call on the company to issue an unreserved apology to the Christian community and withdraw the offensive advert immediately.
“We recall a similar incident in the past when Sterling Bank Plc used crucifixion imagery to promote their product. We condemned it then, and we condemn it now.
“We, therefore, urge all companies and organisations to be mindful of the religious and cultural sensitivities of their customers when promoting their products. We will not tolerate any attempt to trivialise or disrespect our faith. Be warned!”
For using the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote their product on Good Friday, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, makers of Peak Milk, has come under fire from the Christian Association of Nigeria, which described the advertisement as “insensitive, offensive, and totally unacceptable.”
While warning all companies and organisations to be mindful of the religious and cultural sensitivities of their customers when promoting their products, CAN said it was considering serious sanctions on the firm, including a boycott of their products by Christians.
For using the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote their product on Good Friday, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, makers of Peak Milk, has come under fire from the Christian Association of Nigeria, which described the advertisement as “insensitive, offensive, and totally unacceptable.”
While warning all companies and organisations to be mindful of the religious and cultural sensitivities of their customers when promoting their products, CAN said it was considering serious sanctions on the firm, including a boycott of their products by Christians.
CAN, in a statement on Monday by its General Secretary, Joseph Daramola, said the advertisement was not only disrespectful to the Christian faith but also an affront to the millions of Christians in Nigeria and beyond.
He said, “Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians all over the world, a day we commemorate the death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who was crucified on the cross for our sins. It is not a day to be used for crass commercial purposes.
“FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc’s action is not only disrespectful to the Christian faith but also an affront to the millions of Christians in Nigeria and beyond. We are deeply disappointed that a company of such repute would stoop so low to exploit the religious sentiments of its customers for profit.
But why has CAN failed to defend Christians abd the faith and where was it silent about why Nigeria shouldn’t have Muslim-muslim President abd Vice President? Their silence is fatal to the interest of Christians and a heavier and indeed unpardonable treachery than that of Peak Milk. CAN kept silent but some groups such as HURIWA has campaigned vigorously to mainstream the interest of Christians in the political governance of Nigeria.
HUMAN Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA) had faulted the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket adopted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Recall that Bola Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, who are standing for the February 25, 2023 poll, are of same faith.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement, said the ticket was unconstitutional and violated democratic tenets of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), warning that the development could spark a religious war capable of tearing the country farther apart.
The group cautioned: “Section 318 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is clear on federal character principle as one to promote national unity, foster national loyalty and give every citizen of Nigeria a sense of belonging.
“Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) also notes that Nigeria shall be a state based on principles of democracy and social justice. The section underscores the need to promote fairness, equity and national unity in the composition of the Federal Government.
“However, the APC acted in total violation of this principle with the selection of a fellow Muslim, a former Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate. The mortal danger in electing a Muslim-Muslim ticket or same faith ticket in a multi-religious society like Nigeria is unimaginable.”
The group also described it as confirmation of claims that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government wants to ‘Islamise’ Nigeria.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the ruling All Progressives Congress’ (APC) reported move to field Muslim presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the 2023 general elections as a poisonous chalice.
The group also described it as confirmation of claims that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government wants to ‘Islamise’ Nigeria.
The group accused the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and other Northern Muslims of using some Southern Christians including the former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu and former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode to push for a violation of constitutional provision on federal character.
The group said, “We are uniquely worried by the organised and well-choreographed, well oiled, well-funded and properly engineered campaigns by Islamic fundamentalists such as Governor Nasir El-Rufai and others using some Christians like Orji Kalu, Femi Fani-Kayode to canvass the infantile opinion that either it does not matter that candidates for the office of President, Vice President or Governor and Deputy Governor should comply with the simple constitutional demand of the federal character principles in appointments and elective positions.”
The group, therefore, warned the APC and other political parties against presenting a Muslim-Muslim ticket for their presidential candidates, saying it is capable of causing hatred and sectarian division in the country.
It insisted that the plan to continuously dominate all the key political positions in Nigeria including the President, Vice President, Chief Justice of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives with Muslims and also maintain President Buhari’s appointment of only Muslims to head the top security agencies is unacceptable.
Kalu, drummed support for Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan’s presidential bid before the latter lost the race in his party’s presidential primary election last week, also on Wednesday said APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu can choose a Muslim from the North as his running mate.
Kalu’s argument is that Tinubu’s wife is a Christian, but HURIWA described Kalu’s position as “puerile, irrational and totally illogical and warped thinking.”
The group added that Kalu’s assertion is like presuming that the office of the President of Nigeria is like the office of the General Overseer of a Pentecostal Church.
“It is aware that the plot is to foist an Islamic state because what will happen is that Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is a hard-core Muslim extremist but masquerading as a moderate because his wife is a so-called deacon in Redeemed Christian Church of God,” the group said.
*EMMANUEL ONWUBIKO is head of the HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA and was NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA.