Open letter to new CAN President

This is a difficult piece to write on many fronts. One, I have unfettered access to the Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention who recently emerged as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) president. Two, I’m a third generation Baptist and I’ve been opportune to serve at some levels that would actually classify me as a leader and so it is tough calling out my leader publicly. But I dare say, Dr. Ayokunle does not belong to Baptists alone any longer.

So sir, you would pardon me for this public letter but I seek your understanding, as it is a friendly admonition calling your attention to some pitfalls on the path of someone invested with the hope and aspirations of all Nigerian Christians. A tough assignment I’m sure you will agree with me, pastor. I recall we met last on May 21 at the University of Ibadan Baptist Services Centre, Ibadan for the reunion service of the Baptist Student Fellowship of the school where I first heard you were in contention for CAN presidency.  You spoke eloquently that day on why we must not compromise our faith even though things are tough in the land. Thanks for your timely reminder and I will still take up your offer to visit you in the office one of these days.

First, the excitement among us Baptists is palpable. Our people are really delighted that one of us, ‘our very own’ is now the leader of all Christians in Nigeria and there have been much tweeting, sharing, and forwarding of your pictures and profiles among us. May I suggest you ask us to put the celebrations on hold, as you need more prayers than social media celebration? We must go on our knees more for you to succeed. Let us know that there is much work ahead than felicitations as eyes are now on Baptists more than before. Glad that you have recognized that healing and reconciliation are your first assignments please go ahead and bring all strands together within CAN. Seek to build consensus on issues before coming to the public. We have been factionalised and fragmented especially because of the last presidential election. Seek to de-politicise CAN, and re-position it as one for all Christians irrespective of their political affiliations. Just as you cannot lead us as Baptists to a political party or supporting particular candidates, so also you should not do in CAN. Our voice gets muted when we become partisan and thereby deny ourselves of much needed credibility.

Incidentally, a former CAN leader, Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, granted an interview wherein he alluded to politicization of CAN. Please read the interview and get more understanding of what I’m saying. The story of Naaman and Elisha in 2 Kings 5 is also instructive as the prophet was not interested in Naaman’s wealth, as he did not even bother to come out and attend to the army general. Beware of politicians and their wiles and schemes. Never allow them to use you and your office just as you must beware of filthy lucre as Paul admonished Timothy. Let CAN pay for all your trips, don’t accept money from any politician or government official, as this will seal your mouth from speaking the truth to power. Your job will always make you interact with public officers, try not to go alone so that there would be witnesses.

Seek to protect and defend Christians’ interest too. Incidentally, our Convention under your leadership has been reaching out to people displaced as a result of Boko Haram insurgency and we have actually spend serious money on displaced people so you have an understanding of the issues. Speak boldly whenever Christians’ interests are threatened even when we remember our greatest defence is God. Don’t be cowed or intimidated in defending the faith and your mandate. What’s our response as Christians on the herdsmen on rampage across the country? What about our schools built with the tears and sweat of our fathers and grandfathers forcefully taken over by government without compensation in many cases? Your work is definitely cut out for you pastor. However, you cannot tackle all issues within your tenure; prayerfully isolate the critical ones deserving your attention as you serve the Lord in your new office.  Your life trajectory as a teacher, civil servant, and pastor puts you in good stead to navigate the CAN waters successfully.

I will end with a story recounted by an old man you knew so well though he is late now.  One of his children is a Baptist pastor too and he shared the story with my mother who told me. The old man came to visit you at our headquarters in Ibadan, seeing the enormity of your work as Convention President, he shook his head and called you by name, “Supo, Olohun O ran o l’owo ninu ise to gba yi o,” literally praying for you that God will help you in your assignment. That’s my prayer for you too sir, may the Lord help you and make your tenure successful.