New CAN Chairman Demands Moral Leadership, Unity from Taraba Politicians

From Nick Yashi, Jalingo

The newly elected Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Fr William P Awoshiri, has read the riot act to the political class in Taraba state, hinging on honesty, transparency and accountability on governance. 

Awishiri spoke on Wednesday during the CAN Taraba 1st October Thanksgiving and Inauguration Service. with the theme: "the yearning  for a different dawn" held at the CAN secretariat  Jalingo.

He stated: "we demand from you honesty, transparency and accountability in the leadership of our dear state.

"What Tarabans expect from government leaders is that they simply perform the corporal works of mercy; to feed the hungry, give good water to the thirsty, care for the sick, care for the homeless, educate the street children, care for the prisoners, the poor, pensioners, build and maintain roads, keep our schools/hospitals open". 

He traced the challenge facing Christendom to disunity which has affected the state along ethnic and religious lines. 

Awoshiri said: "the scandal of this division within Christendom has not only contradicted the Gospel of Christ but it has dishonoured the glory of God and his holiness. As a consequence, our fellow brothers and sisters whom the Lord has entrusted under our leadership are left confused about our mission, leaving the seeds of discord to blossom with all of  its draconian consequences. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. 

"Our state, Taraba has been bedevilled with numerous crises of various magnitude leaving us to all wonder where our help shall come from. Our people are divided across religious, ethnic and political lines causing deep division that leaves trails of havoc and disaster. 

"As CAN, we must champion the cause of Christian unity that translates into sensible neighbourhood with other faiths, traditions and standing in one voice as the conscience of our society: a moral probe, a strong voice of truth and justice". 

He therefore extends "the hand of fellowship to our Muslim brothers and sisters and indeed  to all other faith communities in building a Taraba anchored on peace, tolerance and mutual respect".