CAN pardons Sterling Bank over provocative Easter advert

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), yesterday, said its leadership has forgiven the Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Abubakar Suleiman over the bank’s controversial advertisement, which compared Jesus Christ’s resurrection to ‘Agege bread.’

The group said its acceptance of the bank’s apology followed “genuine apology letter dated April 20, 2022 to CAN, personally signed by Suleiman.

In a statement by its General Secretary, Joseph Bade Daramola, CAN thanked well-meaning and highly- placed Nigerians, who sued for peace in the matter, saying: “As a result of this development, CAN has resolved to forgive Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive. We always remember that ‘to err is human and to forgive is divine.’

“In taking this step, we are following the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who asked God to forgive those who nailed Him to the cross unjustly, and has taught us to forgive always,” the statement reads in part.

“We hereby call on all Christians in the country to join us in forgiving the Sterling Bank, and its management. Those who are considering stopping patronising the bank as a result of the blunder should stop the process but instead, continue doing business with the bank.”

CAN, however, advised corporate institutions, especially the banks to be more sensitive, considerate and professional in handling their public messages.

“Whatever that can cause religious crises in the country should be avoided at all costs, both by the government and the business sector.”