The alarm bells rang loud in Abuja as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged the Federal Government to step up and safeguard citizens without excuses or delay. At the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), held at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria in Wuse II, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh drew a firm line in the sand: Nigerians are tired of platitudes — they need real protection.
Addressing church leaders, clerics, and delegates, Okoh didn’t mince words. He stressed that insecurity in the country has reached a disturbing level, pushing Nigeria to the brink and demanding unified Christian advocacy and unwavering government responsibility. Speaking on the theme “Demand for Justice and Righteousness,” he warned that the nation’s soul is being threatened by escalating violence and a failure of leadership.
With clarity and conviction, he reminded the government of its constitutional and moral duty: protect every Nigerian, without discrimination and without excuses. According to him, the Church must stay vocal and consistent, standing beside affected communities and demanding justice on their behalf.
Okoh outlined key priorities the government must tackle immediately — strengthening security systems, prosecuting perpetrators, supporting displaced families, rebuilding devastated communities, and addressing the root causes of violence that keep resurfacing across the nation.
He emphasized that Christian witness isn’t measured by the beauty of churches or the volume of prayers, but by actions that show compassion, justice, and righteousness. He charged churches to be beacons of hope, defenders of the vulnerable, and living reflections of Christ’s character.
In his remarks, Okoh acknowledged the CCN’s long-standing role as Nigeria’s oldest ecumenical body, applauding its decades of work in promoting unity, moral integrity, and peace. He reaffirmed CAN’s partnership with the Council, pledging continued commitment to strengthening the Body of Christ and advancing national healing.
The event also marked the official opening of the 32nd General Assembly and the CCN’s 96th Anniversary celebrations. Okoh expressed optimism that the gathering would inspire renewed commitment toward building a nation where justice flows freely and citizens live without fear.