Abuja: Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has called on President Bola Tinubu to intensify and sustain efforts to strengthen peace and security nationwide, stressing the importance of collaboration between government and religious bodies in advancing national stability.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Okoh made the call on Friday in Lagos, when leaders of CAN paid a Christmas visit to the President and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
He said the visit was to felicitate with the First Family and appreciate the administration’s commitment to national development and support for the vulnerable.
“We are here to felicitate with Mr President and the First Lady this Christmas season and to appreciate what they are doing, especially for the poor and for moving our country forward,” Okoh said.
The CAN President commended the Federal Government’s recent efforts at improving security, noting a reduction in attacks on places of worship during the Christmas period.
“This Christmas is the first in many years that we were not woken up at midnight with reports that a church was attacked. That is a testimony we must share,” he said.
Okoh expressed optimism that the improvement would be sustained, stressing the importance of continued collaboration between government and religious bodies.
“We are happy about what we are seeing, and we pray that it will continue,” he added.
The CAN President also pledged the association’s support for the Tinubu administration in advancing peace and national progress.
“We are here to pledge our commitment to continue to work with the President for the development and progress of our country,” Okoh said.
Responding to a question on public concerns following the United States President’s comments on Nigeria’s security situation, Okoh said Tinubu had shown responsiveness.
“We can see renewed efforts and commitment to strengthen the security architecture and ensure that Nigerians go out in peace and return in peace,”
He acknowledged that challenges remained but expressed confidence in the administration’s direction.
“There is still a lot to be done, but the President has started very well. We hope and pray that this momentum will be sustained and that Nigerians will see more visible results in the coming year,” Okoh said.