President Muhammadu Buhari and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, have congratulated Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church (Odozi-Obodo), on his election as the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.
Okoh was elected on Monday to succeed Rev. Samson Olusupo Ayokunle, upon completion of his tenure as head of CAN.
In separate press statements issued by the media aides, Buhari and Tinubu said the election of Okoh was a confirmation of his devotion to the Church of God in the country and beyond.
According to the statement by Mr. Femi Adesina, the president acknowledged the role CAN had played in fostering religious unity and harmony.
He said the president stated that he trusted that the incoming president would continue to provide the needed leadership for the Church, affirming the Scriptural truth: ‘‘That they all may be one.’’ (John 17:21a)
President Buhari, who was said to have fond memories of his interactions with CAN leadership, said he values the counsel and spiritual contributions of Christian leaders to nation building by encouraging, advising, strengthening, correcting and criticizing those in authority.
The president prayed that the tenure of Archbishop Okoh, in the new phase of ministry, would be marked with success, urging the blocs that make up CAN to kindly give the cleric every needed support to excel.
He also wished the outgoing president, Rev Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle best wishes in his spiritual and secular endeavours.
In the statement by his media office signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, Asíwájú Tinubu noted that the new CAN leader who is the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church is a worthy successor to Rev. Ayokunle whose tenure as CAN president was one characterized by exceptional commitment, principle and wisdom.
Asiwaju Tinubu said: “I congratulate Rev. Okoh on his election as the new president of CAN.”
He said he noted that Okoh had truly distinguished himself as the deputy to Rev. Ayokunle.”
The APC leader declared that Nigeria could only expect nothing but inspired and enlightened leadership from Okoh.
“CAN is one of the most important organizations in the nation. Not only does it seek the betterment of the Christian community in Nigeria, its moral force and standing benefit all Nigerians as we seek to establish a just and compassionate society where people of all faiths and beliefs live and work together in peace and harmony.
“As a nation, we are in a critical moment where misguided and terrible actors attempt to destroy social harmony and reign violence on us all. These awful forces seek to stoke religious and ethnic divisions in hope of pitting Nigerian brother against Nigerian brother. Decent and good Nigerians of all faiths must ally again such designs. While we may not agree on everything, all well-meaning Nigerians agree that we must live in peace, must respect and honor our diversity and eschew violence and hatred.
“We are grateful that CAN as an organization embodies these and other principles that reflect the values and virtues of Christ. We are glad that the new President of CAN, Rev. Okoh, is a humane and kind soul who has dedicated his life to the betterment of his fellow man and is a person who will work with leaders of other faiths and beliefs to anneal the bonds of unity, inter-religious understanding and tolerance while advocating for the benefits of democratic good governance for all Nigerians regardless of creed or belief systems.
“As long as we stand forthright and adhere to these tenets, Nigeria will defeat the plans of those who seek to place discord and hatred at our door.
“As Rev. Okoh assumes the mantle of leadership, it is my hope and prayer that his tenure brightens every corner of our country and may he be a shining light to all.”
