Group tackles CAN over call for Dasuki, el- Zakzakky’s release

The Concerned Christian Forum of Nigeria has faulted the recent call by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the release of Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

CCFN described the statement attributed to Ayokunle Samson, CAN president, as “inhuman and most uncharitable.”

Samson had during the weekend called on the Federal Government to release el-Zakzaky and Dasuki from detention.

“Of course, El-Zakzaky, and the former presidential security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, who are in the hands of the federal government are also due for release,” Ayokunle was quoted as saying while addressing a press conference in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, at the weekend.

Reacting to Ayokune’s request, the Concerned Christian Forum of Nigeria through its president, James Amedu in a statement, called on the CAN president to tender an unreserved apology to members of the Christian faith in Nigeria, as well as the generality of the people who have in one way or the other suffered directly or indirectly from the actions of these two individuals.

Below is the statement:

The Concerned Christian Forum of Nigeria notes with disappointment; the statement credited to Rev. (Dr.) Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where he called for the release of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibrahim Elzakzaky and the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki by the federal government.

While it is no doubt that the CAN as the umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria represents the interest of Christians in Nigeria, it is, however, inexcusable to delve into partisan politics.

The Concerned Christian Forum of Nigeria, would wish to educate the CAN president on the need to always protect the integrity of the Christian Association of Nigeria by putting the interest of the millions of Christians in Nigeria above personal interest.

It is also worrisome to add that the two individuals in question are standing trial for acts of terrorism and a financial heist that led to the loss of lives of innocent Nigerians, which has been widely condemned by all and sundry in Nigeria.

The Concerned Christian Forum of Nigeria wishes to state that unless Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle wants to feign ignorance when Boko Haram bombed the St. Theresa Catholic Church Suleja on Christmas day. Is Rev Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle also aware that the Islamic Movement in Nigeria has committed various crimes against the state and the people? Is he also aware that members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have on numerous occasions killed innocent civilians as well as military and police officers going about their legitimate duties?

The Concerned Christian Forum of Nigeria is also concerned about the involvement of CAN president in corruption and terrorism-related offenses, so much so that he openly canvassed for their release on the pages of newspapers.

The Concerned Christian Forum of Nigerian consequently calls on the CAN president to tender an unreserved apology to members of the Christian faith in Nigeria, as well as the generality of the people who have in one way or the other suffered directly or indirectly from the actions of these two individuals, and for the despicable act of insulting our sensibilities on the pages of newspapers.

The Concerned Christian Forum of Nigeria consequently advises Rev Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle to retrace his steps.