Following the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on account of reports of Christian genocide, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has charged the Bola Tinubu administration to use the opportunity to end the killings and insecurity wrought on the country by terrorists and bandits.
Noting that it is deeply concerned about the threat by America to intervene militarily to stop the killings, the Council said in a press statement that the development however, should be seen as answered prayer and presents an opportunity for take strident actions against insecurity in the country.
The statement, issued on Thursday, was signed by the Council’s president, Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha, and the General Secretary, Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara.
“The anticipated intervention by the American Government should not be misconstrued as invasion of a sovereign state but should be seen as answered prayer by every people of conscience and a welcome development to assist Nigeria deal with the intractable problem of insecurity which has devastated our dear country for nearly two decades now.
“This is not the time for debate on whether there is Christian genocide in Nigeria or not. Rather it is a time to shun political considerations, ethnic affiliations and religious inclinations, and join hands and purpose to deal with this challenge once and for all.
“Instead of reading undue meanings into Trump’s threat/challenge and spinning baseless conspiracy theories that only divert attention from the issue at stake, our leaders should be allowed to think straight on how to collaborate with the United States of America to take out these enemies of humankind whether Nigerians or foreigners”, the statement said.
The Council blamed the apparent lack of the political will to stop the slaughter of Nigerians in their own land as a grave reflection of our nation’s deteriorating moral, security, and governance conditions.
According to the Council, the spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and religious intolerance across the country is both heartbreaking and unacceptable; as every life lost diminishes humanity and offends the image of God in human beings.
“While we acknowledge that insecurity did not begin today, we affirm that the sacred duty of any government is to protect life and property. As the body of Christ, we reject violence, oppression, and hatred in any form”, the Council affirmed, adding that history “will be kind to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if he seizes this opportunity to end the killings that has plagued this country for many years now”.
