The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has announced forgiving Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, over the provocative and demeaning Easter greeting advertised during this year’s Easter.
The announcement was made on Saturday in a statement by its General Secretary, Mr. Joseph Bade Daramola.
In the advertisement, the bank compared the Resurrection of Jesus Christ to ‘Agege Bread,’ a development which was seriously criticized by many, including CAN.
Following the condemnation that followed the advert, the bank was said to have written an acceptable and genuine apology letter dated 20 April, 2022 to the CAN personally signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman.
CAN said equally, some well-meaning and highly placed Nigerians had been appealing to CAN to forgive in the Christian spirit and in consonance with the message of Easter.
As a result of the development, CAN said it had resolved to forgive Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive.
“We always remember that ‘to err is human and to forgive is divine.’
CAN said in taking that step, “we are following the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ who asked God to forgive those who nailed Him to the cross unjustly and has taught us to forgive always.”
The Christian group stated further: “We hereby call on all Christians in the country to join us in forgiving the Sterling Bank and its management. Those who are considering stopping patronising the bank as a result of the blunder should stop the process but instead continue doing business with the bank.
“We appeal to corporate institutions especially the banks to be more sensitive, considerate and professional in handling their public messages. Whatever that can cause religious crises in the country should be avoided at all costs, both by the government and the business sector.
“We appreciate our youths who heeded our directive and refused to be dragged into the streets to protest against the bank as being touted in some quarters.
“Finally, we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the well-meaning Nigerians who intervened in the matter.
“May the blessings of Peacemakers be their portion in Jesus’ name.”
