…Calls for restraint
Lagos State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Stephen Adegbite, has urged Nigerians not to lose confidence in the Federal Government’s ability to address insecurity.
Adegbite, who is also the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission and Chaplain of the Aso Rock Villa Chapel, spoke on Thursday during a media briefing. He also cautioned against protests capable of undermining national stability.
The cleric addressed recent security concerns across the country, including kidnappings and attacks in parts of Nigeria, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State.
He expressed sympathy for affected families and condemned the killing of a Mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, by abductors in Oyo.
“Such an inhuman act further confirms that the perpetrators are agents of evil and enemies of humanity, not representatives of any true religious teaching or value system. No genuine religion promotes the shedding of innocent blood or the torment of helpless citizens”, he stated.
Adegbite said Nigerians must continue to support security agencies through cooperation, prayers and the sharing of useful information that could aid operations.
He also defended the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity, saying the administration of President Bola Tinubu was taking strategic steps to address the crisis. “It is important to state clearly that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is not folding its arms in the face of these security challenges”, he further said.
According to him, some security operations could not be disclosed publicly for tactical reasons. The CAN chairman described the recent appointment of a Special Adviser on Homeland Security as “a welcome and commendable development”, adding that it would strengthen intelligence gathering and national security coordination.
While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful protest and free expression, Adegbite warned against actions that could trigger instability. “Protests should not become instruments of political destabilisation, incitement, or attempts to seize power unlawfully. He called on political actors and pressure groups to pursue their ambitions through constitutional means and democratic processes.
The CAN chairman urged Nigerians to remain united despite political, ethnic and religious differences. “Nigeria shall overcome its present challenges and emerge stronger by the grace of God”, he stated.
