The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has congratulated the new President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Reverend Daniel Okoh.
It was reported that Reverend Okoh emerged as the new CAN president after his confirmation on Thursday by the General Assembly of the Christian body.
It will be recalled that Okoh had earlier emerged as the candidate from the Electoral College but had to be ratified by the National Executive Council and the General Assembly of CAN.
With Okoh’s ratification on Thursday, he succeeds Rev. Samson Olusupo Ayokunle, upon completion of his tenure as the head of CAN.
In a statement on Friday by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, the APC presidential candidate described the new CAN head as a worthy and distinguished leader.
Tinubu said as the new CAN President assumes the mantle of leadership, he expressed hope and prayer that his tenure brightens every corner of the country.
He noted that Okoh is a worthy successor to Rev. Ayokunle whose tenure as CAN president was characterised by exceptional commitment, principle and wisdom.
Tinubu, however, declared that Nigeria can only expect nothing but inspired and enlightened leadership from Rev. Okoh.
He said: “CAN is one of the most important organisations 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 brothers against Nigerian brothers. Decent and good Nigerians of all faiths must ally again with such designs.
“While we may not agree on everything, all well-meaning Nigerians agree that we must live in peace, must respect and honour our diversity and eschew violence and hatred.
“We are grateful that CAN as an organisation 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.”
