How would you describe the allegation against the church during the last general elections?
You will recall that prior to the 2015 general elections, there were various campaign strategies, some of them deadly, that were employed and deployed by most of the leading political parties, to persuade and even coerce innocent and ignorant Nigerians to cast their votes based on certain interests and sentiments. Some of the ill strategies included specific and direct allegations about some candidates and their supposed supporters. At that point in time, the movement, statements and gestures of certain personalities were interpreted and communicated to Nigerians along political interests.
Most of those allegations were either not supported with concrete facts or were supported with false, forged or unverifiable evidences. In most of the allegations, the acceptance of its veracity were also based on political affiliations. National leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for obvious reasons, were targeted in the political intricacy and blackmails, including even some CAN leaders in the States and Local Governments. Prominent was the allegation of the sharing of Seven Billion (#7Billion) Naira to CAN and the usage of the CAN President’s Aircraft for Arms purchase by the Federal Government. The former Nigeria President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, President Mohammadu Buhari and many other individuals had their own share of the allegations too. But like I always say, such allegations were unfounded, false and peddled by those without any supportive facts yet believed by those whose interests they project. By my understanding and perception, the 2015 electioneering campaign was the worst ever witnessed.
How would you describe CAN and it’s leadership?
Come to think of it, CAN is the only Christian religious institution that binds the churches together. It is the only umbrella that most of the churches find expression. As a person coming from a disadvantaged community that has suffered from ethno-religious violence in Nigeria, and being a direct victim also, I find it nauseating and unsettling to support the destruction of CAN. Most of the communities under crises depend solely on CAN for a voice and intervention at Local, States and Federal levels. As a stakeholder,I cannot sit and watch the structure destroyed despite my earlier dissatisfaction. CAN will be forty years by August 2016 having been established in 1976. CAN is made up of human beings, as we all are, who are fallible and susceptible to errors. But it remains the only institution that Christians have collectively agreed to belong. The Constitution of CAN is very clear on how the leadership emerges. It is my believe that despite our denominational differences, Christians and non- Christians alike must learn to tolerate each other and respect the sanctity of the religious body. Since it is an established institution, whoever is not satisfied with the leadership at a time should learn to wait for the expiration of the tenure of such leadership. The deliberate denigration and attempt to belittle the leadership of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and the castigation of CAN must be squarely addressed for the sake of those who are genuinely ignorant about the activities of CAN and those whose innocent minds have been terribly influenced against CAN. It is also unfortunate that Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor came to CAN leadership in a trying period in the history of the country. He also happened to be the first Pentecostal pastor to have risen to that position. Some people accuse CAN for being too close to Government? I wonder how the CAN President’s closeness to the President of Nigeria should be a problem to warrant sponsored allegations. In Bible History, the Kings were always in close touch with the Priests, for prayer, guidance, and support or rebuke as the case may be. The Bible also admonishes Christians to unconditionally respect and pray for their leaders and all constituted authorities as they too are believed to have been established by God.
Were you not disappointed to hear that money was shared amongst Christian leaders?
The question demanding an answer each time I read about money shared to Christian’s leaders is, how much was shared to other religious leaders? Anyone peddling that rumor against CAN is an enemy of the church.
How would you describe the leadership of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor?
Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, based on my assessment of his activities has distinguished himself in the following areas on behalf of the Nigerian Church.He was the first Nigerian who saw the evil of Boko Haram when every other people were playing politics with it, including the international community which necessitated his boldly addressing the American Congress and insisting that Boko Haram should be domesticated as a terrorist’s organization. He received bashing from prominent Nigerians as usual; but today all over the world, including Nigeria, he has been proven right. Who has called him back to apologize to him or commend his foresight? Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor is the first CAN president to have personally, visited the attacked churches in northern states of Nigeria in the heat of the attacks to encourage them to remain peaceful. He is the first CAN president who uses his resources wholly for the day to day running of the affairs of CAN. e has visited most IDP camps to provide them with relief materials and encouragement. Space and time will not permit me to mention factual evidence of how Pastor Ayo Oritsejar has helped the growth and development of the church and poor Nigerians in general prior to his becoming the President of CAN and as President of CAN. Yet I wander what some politically disgruntled persons mean when they request that he sells his Aircraft and give the proceed to the poor as if they are jealous of his successes. I will rather challenge those opposing the CAN National President to prove to the victims of attacks what they have done to assist them.
What is your assessment on the fight again corruption by President Muhammadu Buhari?
May I first of all commend President Mohammadu Buhari for going all out to fight corruption in Nigeria. I wish to also advise that the fight should be within the rule of law and should be all inclusive. The President should not allow liable persons to hide under political affiliation with him. I have always argued that being a member of APC is not being “born again”. It’s a common thing to hear APC members clamoring for the cleansing of PDP’s 16 years of mess and corrupt rule. And I have always asked who APC is and who is PDP? The only difference I know is in the CHANGE slogan. Corruption in Nigeria has nothing to do with political party affiliation but is purely an attitudinal problem. If you are a thief, you remain a thief even if you live in the Vatican. You can only pretend to be innocent for a while. As a committed Nigerian, I will encourage the President to disregard those who take advantage of power for vendetta. The President should concentrate on what is right by a genuine conviction and to stand for it. As a legal practitioner, I will also add my voice to the call on Mr President to support and respect the judiciary. The Judiary is like the referees in the game of sports. They may obstruct you at the point of scoring a goal but within the rule of the game. I must say our Judiary has done well and are doing well despite pressure and challenges. They must continue to do their best and not to be distracted by ignorant politicians. While I also commend the President and the Nigerian army for successes recorded in the fight against the insurgents, I wish to admonish them to always open up to Nigerians on the true position of the situation. I am concerned that the authority is giving a different impression from what the residents are experiencing in actual sense. This is uncalled for. There are Nigerians who may not be in the field of battles but are praying for Nigeria, they need to know the truth and be guided. Finally, President Buhari should try as much as possible to be in charge to avoid regrets after living office. As a matter of fact from our independence, I am yet to read about any government that took over from the other and found the system intact without any challenge. There have been accusations and counter accusations of mismanagement and maladministration from one government to the other. Hence as a respected and reputable Nigerian he should coordinate his team to be different.
As a youth activist, any word for the youth?
Yes, first, may I say that the critical problems of Nigeria are; the challenge of governance, insecurity, youth development and poverty. Government must make effort to know the percentage of unemployed and underemployed youth. Those that are employable and those without any skill. Then we have room for better planning. I pray Government keeps to her promise to give some allowances to the unemployed youth.
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