CAN alleges ‘Saboteurs did not want us to meet with Buhari’

BY: Oliseama Okwuchukwu

The President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, has described as saboteurs those who attempted to prevent the association from paying congratulatory visit to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ayokunle spoke to State House correspondents after the leadership of CAN visited President Buhari at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

He dismissed allegations that pressure was mounted on CAN leaders to congratulate the president on his re-election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a national daily and some online platforms had reported that some influential people working closely with the Federal Government were mounting serious pressure on CAN leadership to pay a congratulatory visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, following the outcome of last month’s presidential election.

Ayokunle, however, dismissed the report, saying it was the handiwork of saboteurs and enemies of progress who did not wish the association well.

“Saboteurs didn’t want us to come here (Aso Rock); we are old enough to know what to do and what not to do.

“If somebody like me after 60 years of age will be under pressure, then it means that my life will never have meaning again.

“But by the grace of God we have a meaningful life, I know what to do. By God’s grace, He has prepared me well for this assignment.

“So, those detractors and politicians in cassock should go and find better job to do.’’ He said.

Ayokunle said that CAN leadership was in the villa, not only to congratulate the president on his re-election but, to remind him of what Nigerians were yearning for, as they wanted him to perform 100 per cent better than the first term.

He, therefore, advised the president to consider only the best Nigerians while constituting his new cabinet, stressing that he should do more to address socio-economic challenges facing the citizens.

“Now, he has mastered the job; he has mustered enough strength to be able to go full swing into action.

“We want him to do more on security- kidnappings almost everywhere and the issue of insurgency in the northeast; the insurgents should be silenced once and for all.

“These ethnic militias that have now moved to the northwest which used to be peaceful and they are now causing violence there – before they grow wings, their wings should be clipped completely,’’ he said.