The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tackle insecurity, protect vulnerable citizens and ensure accountability in governance.

CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh made the call on Saturday during the association’s 50th-anniversary celebration in Abuja, themed “Walking Together in Faith.”

Okoh said the church would continue to speak truth to power and hold political leaders accountable, while maintaining what he described as “critical collaboration” with government in the national interest.

He said the church would neither withdraw from national affairs nor become an instrument of partisan politics, stressing that its responsibility included challenging injustice and promoting good governance.

“The message of the Church to those in governance must be clear: govern well, serve faithfully, protect the people, respect the constitution, account for public resources, listen to citizens, protect the vulnerable, strengthen institutions and make Nigeria great,” he said.

The CAN president said the association had, over the past five decades, played a significant role in addressing corruption, poor governance and humanitarian challenges.

He listed internally displaced persons (IDPs), rural farmers unable to access their farmland because of insecurity, unemployed youths and Nigerians affected by economic hardship as among those whose plight required urgent attention.

Okoh said the church could not remain indifferent to citizens’ suffering, adding that public office holders must be held responsible for the security of lives and property and for managing public resources.

On the relationship between the church and government, he said CAN would support policies and initiatives that promote the common good but would not hesitate to speak out against injustice and policy failures.

However, he cautioned Christian leaders and the faithful against partisan sentiments, hate speech and the spread of misinformation, urging them to promote constructive engagement and national unity.

Reflecting on CAN’s establishment in August 1976, Okoh said the association’s strength lay in bringing together diverse Christian groups under one umbrella.

These include the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches and TEKAN/ECWA.

He urged the younger generation of Christians to preserve the unity achieved by the founding fathers and to work towards overcoming divisions and prejudice within the church.

The CAN president expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its security and socio-economic challenges, provided citizens and leaders demonstrated commitment, integrity and responsibility.

“Nigeria can be better – Nigeria will be better! But hope requires responsibility: prayer must be accompanied by positive action, faith by integrity, leadership by accountability and freedom by responsibility,” he said.

The golden jubilee celebration drew prominent dignitaries, including President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

The event also presented awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to the growth of Christianity and to national development. (The Nation)