CAN Tells Buhari To Focus On Insecurity Instead Of Hunting Critics

President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, as well as the chiefs of security services, have been told to refrain from targeting critics, says the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

CAN President Rev. Olasupo Ayokunle said in a statement that the government and officials must be careful in the manner they approach Nigerians who express their views on insecurity in public forums.

Encouraging citizens to be respectful and factual in their statements, the Christian leader expressed concern about restricting citizens’ freedom to free speech and expression.

Ayokunle said that efforts to coerce anyone who speaks out against the government’s shortcomings will only intensify the matter and depict the authorities as dictatorial.

He said that the press must not be stopped from using its constitutionally protected right to communicate information while adhering to the ethical standards of the profession without being intimidated.

Retired Navy Commodore Kunle Olawunmi was invited by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to attend a briefing following statements he made on Channels Television, Ayokunle pointed out.

He said, “We urge the government to tolerate criticisms that are constructive as they would help in finding solutions to our problems.”

Due to the ramifications of distributing false information, the CAN president, therefore, urged Nigerians to refrain from spreading such.

Additionally, Ayokunle warned the Edo State government against its decision to prohibit persons who do not have proof of vaccination from visiting churches, mosques, event centers, and other places.

He explained that the CAN completely support vaccination but believes that individual choice should be respected.

“Coercing people into getting vaccinated is a violation of right. Let the government and all of us continue to emphasize the observance of COVID-19 protocols,” he said

In addition, he stated that the number of vaccines available in the country through the Federal Government is much below the number of people living in the country.