CAN President urges Nigerians to shun violence, division

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has urged Nigerians to shun violence and reject division in the country.

This is contained in a statement signed by Oritsejafor and made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

According to the statement, sacrifice, love and humility which is the focus of Good Friday, must permeate through the society.

“This is a time when Christians in parts of the country are plagued by insurgency; I call for steadfastness and unwavering faith in God, the maker of all things.

“This should be the watch word for all Christians in this season of sacrifice and forgiveness.

“As greed, hatred and wickedness continue to dominate the affairs of some in our midst, goodwill ultimately prevails over evil,’’ it said.

The statement also said that sacrifice was not necessarily exemplified by dying for others; it could be demonstrated by giving alms, helping the needy and carrying out other works of mercy in the society.

It said that as Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice for mankind on Good Friday, Nigerians must also learn to sacrifice for their fellow being in any way they could.

The statement noted that Nigerians must always be guided by the message of the Cross because it must be put into practice in all its ramifications.

“Evil will not have the last word, but love, mercy and pardon will,”it said.

The statement said that all the activities of the Church must be seen to reflect the virtues of sacrifice and love which Christ himself exhibited through his death on the cross.

“As we join other faithful across the world to commemorate the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday, I enjoin all Christians to reflect on the lessons of the solemn celebration.

“So, as you reflect on this solemn celebration, may we all be reminded of God’s plan for mankind which was fulfilled by Christ against all odds especially as it affects their lives,’’ the statement added.