The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged President Bola Tinubu’s government to abandon excuses and take urgent, decisive action to protect citizens as violent attacks continue to surge across the country.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, made the call on Wednesday during the opening of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria in Wuse II, Abuja.
Addressing delegates, clerics, and leaders of member churches, Okoh stressed that Nigeria has reached a critical point where insecurity demands unified Christian advocacy and firm national responsibility. Speaking on the Assembly’s theme, “Demand for Justice and Righteousness,” drawn from Amos 5:24, he warned that the country’s growing instability threatens its very soul.
“The government has a constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians—without discrimination, without delay, and without excuses,” Okoh said.
He urged the CCN to continue supporting CAN’s call for stronger national action, emphasising the Church’s role in demanding justice for communities devastated by violence. He also highlighted key measures he expects from the Federal Government, including strengthening security institutions, prosecuting perpetrators of violent crimes, supporting displaced families, rebuilding destroyed communities, and addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“Our voices must not waver. Our message must remain consistent and sincere,” he added, encouraging churches to defend vulnerable groups and uphold Christ-like values in their daily lives.
Okoh reminded participants that Christian witness goes beyond prayers and church rituals. “Our witness will not be judged merely by our prayers or magnificent sanctuaries, but by how faithfully we reflect the character of Christ in our commitment to justice, compassion, and righteousness,” he said.
He also commended the CCN for its decades-long service as Nigeria’s oldest ecumenical body, praising its contributions to unity, justice, and peace. Reaffirming CAN’s partnership with the Council, he said both organisations remain committed to promoting moral integrity and national healing.
“Together, we will continue to uphold the unity of the Body of Christ, defend the oppressed, and advance the values of God’s kingdom on earth,” he assured.
Archbishop Okoh formally declared open the 32nd Triennial General Assembly and the CCN’s 96th anniversary celebrations, expressing hope that the deliberations would strengthen collective resolve to build a Nigeria where justice prevails and citizens live free from fear.
