By Imó Etim
The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Akwa Ibom state chapter, Rev. Ndueso Ekwere has condemned the gruesome murder of Iniubong Umoren and the recent attacks by hoodlums on police stations in the State.
The CAN State Chairman made known to journalists in a press briefing held in Uyo on Wednesday, May 11, 2021.
The Cleric joined voice with other Christians in the State to register his condolence to the family of slain Iniubong Umoren and the families of slain police officers killed in recent sporadic attacks on police stations in Abak, Essien Udim, Ika, Ikono and INI.
The clergyman demanded that justice be served to perpetrators of the dastardly acts while admonishing church leaders to discourage misleading, vain teachings and heresies capable of misleading gullible members and youths into the get-rich route, thereby exposing them to atrocities, criminalities, including crime against fellow humans.
He said “We call on church leaders to preach messages that will encourage high moral standards. While also reminding all Christians that Judgment Day will come and we will all be judged based on how we live our lives. We encourage young people in the State to learn skills and be self-reliant and not wait for White-collar jobs, as it may not be enough for everybody.”
“Parents on their part, should teach their children, the fear of the Lord and bring them up with a sound moral standard and not lead them to doom and damnation.”
The State CAN Chairman expressed his readiness to join voice with the National CAN to fast and pray for peace for the State and Nigeria as a whole. He said the reason for the prayers is to call on God to thwart the plans of every evil perpetrator in the land, while also asking God to grant Nigerian leaders wisdom to lead the country aright.
He added “We in the State CAN hereby join our voices with the National CAN in declaring a 3-day Solemn Fast and Prayer for our land beginning from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th May 2021. This will take place simultaneously in all the States in the country. Christians are to gather each day in their individual churches to pray and end the fast for the day and finally end up with their church service on Sunday”.
The theme for the event in Akwa Ibom State is: ‘The Lord that answers by fire’ drawn from 1 Kings 18 verse 24, and 2Chronickes 7 verse 14.
CAN Chairman said prayers against all forms of insecurities in the nation, yokes will be broken while there will be prayers for leaders, the church, peace and love for the country as well as speedy recovery from all form of losses witnessed by the country.
Rev Ekwere also extolled Governor Udom Emmanuel for his reaction to visiting the State Police Headquarters to condole with the police and provide some financial support for the families of the deceased officers who died in the line of duty.
Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) has been in existence notably for 44 years now since August 27, 1976, with chapters across all the 36 states and the FCT.
Rev. Samson Ayokunle is the National President while Rev. Ndueso Ekwere heads the Akwa Ibom chapter.