The newly elected President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh has said that the organization had made its decision on same faiths ticket known more than two years before the political parties held their primaries.
"We are very proactive and very serious to sensitize Christians that there is nothing bad in engaging in politics, but we can't be partisan as CAN. We have made our stand known on same faith ticket two years ago before party primaries. We are not in support of Muslim-Muslim ticket or Christian-Christian ticket," Archbishop Okoh said.
Archbishop Okoh was speaking during his official visit to the President of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele at the Church's General secretariat, Bashorun Ibadan on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
Pastor Oladele in his welcome address had urged the ecumenical body to ensure a clear and pragmatic guide to the Church as the nation looks forward to 2023 elections.
Earlier, Archbishop Okoh had recalled the long relationship that was existing between his denomination, the Christ Holy Church International, Onitsha and the Christ Apostolic Church through the mentoring of the Church's Founder, Evangelist (Mrs.) Agnes Amanye Okoh by CAC patriarchs like Apostle Ayo Babalola, Prophet D. Babajide as well as former General Superintendent, Pastor J. A. Medaiyese. He recalled that both his denomination and Christ Apostolic Church were founding members of Organization of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC) whose first Secretary General was Pastor S. B. Mala, a CAC pastor whose death, he said shook the organization.
He said when CAC was going to join CPFN some leaders of the Church came to persuade the leaders of his denomination to follow suit, but they remained in (OAIC). Notwithstanding the parting of ways, he said CAC remains a sister Church with which he must always relate.
"CAC is now in CPFN, but CAN brought us together and that is why we must work together. We must be committed making peaceful coexistence. I'm here to present myself as the new President of CAN and ask for your support. We must be united to fight common enemy in Nigeria. We must make effort to diminish our differences and embrace what brings us together... We also solicit for your prayers"
Responding, Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele, President of CAC Nigeria and Overseas appreciated God for sustaining the Church despite threats of the enemies. He noted that the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ that "I will build my Church, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" is coming to reality in the midst of current happenings in the country. He added that the best way to Fight the Church is not to fight the Church.
Pastor Oladele thanked God on behalf of the CAN President for making him assume office as CAN President, he said it is a big burden, he therefore prayed to God to make the burden lighter for him. "God will grant you wisdom, knowledge and understanding."
He briefly stated the vision and mission of Christ Apostolic Church asserting that the Church is a foremost Pentecostal Church in Nigeria and even in Africa as nobody can write the history of Pentecostal Christianity in Nigeria without devoting large chunk of that work to CAC.
On the current political situation in the country, Pastor Oladele said the time has come for Christians in this country to consider the interest of the kingdom of God. "It is time we must demonstrate to the world that Christians in Nigeria can't be taken for granted, adding that CAC will be guided by instruction given by CAN.
In his response Archbishop Okoh said CAN has always been up and doing when it comes to guiding the Church; noting that even before his predecessor came into office, CAN had been having conversations with presidential candidates of political parties.
He added that CAN established political strategies department and the department has provided three C's of capabilities, competence and capacity as criteria to look into critically in candidates to guide Christians in voting.
Archbishop Okoh, who is the General Superintendent of Christ. Holy Church International, Onitsha, emerged as the new CAN President, after getting a 100 per cent vote of all 259 delegates who participated in its 12th General Assembly. The Clergyman who succeeded Dr. Samson Supo Ayokunle formally assumed duty as CAN President in July this year.
The new CAN President, was at the Christ Apostolic Church General Secretariat with high calibre delegation comprising CAN Assistant General Secretary, Apostle Biodun Sanyaolu, CAN Treasurer, Pastor Samuel Okusanya, Oyo State CAN Chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, Lagos State CAN Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Special Assistant to CAN President, Dr. Victor Ivoke, Ven. Emmanuel Nana and others.
They were warmly received at the President's Conference room by the President of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele, General Superintendent, Pastor Emmanuel O. Odejobi, General Secretary, Pastor Emmanuel E. Mapur, Babalolat Regional Superintendent, Pastor J.O. Ogunwuyi and many others. Also in attendance are Superintendent of Yemetu DCC who is former Chairman of CAN Oyo State, Pastor Benjamin. Akanmu, CAC Sanngo DCC Superintendent, Pastor J.B. Agunblade, DCC Superintendent of Agbala-ltura, Ibadan, Pastor A. O. Akinpelu, DCC Superintendent of Mokola DCC, Pastor M.K Oloruntoba, the Zonal Superintendent of Orisun-Ife Zone, Pastor J. Olu Makinwa, CAC Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, Special Assistant to CAC President, Pastor T.D. Asokej and many others.
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