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BREAKING: CAN Orders Churches To Obey Govt Directives On New Year Crossover

Published

5 years ago

December 29, 2020

Following the controversy that has trailed churches holding New Year crossover services in the country, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Samson Ayokunle, Tuesday evening ordered worship centres across the country to obey government’s directive.

Rev Ayokunle who gave the order in a statement made available to newsmen Tuesday evening, said CAN understands the unfortunate state the coronavirus pandemic has put everybody worldwide.

He appealed to churches to strictly adhere to COVID-19 protocols and guidelines issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), federal and state governments.

“We, however, urge you all to abide by the directives of each state government on this so as to prevent the spread of the infection.

“There is no sacrifice that is too much in order to put an end to the pandemic once and for all. One thing that is certain is that the end of COVID-19 is here at last in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ,” he added

CAN advised that in states where the government has placed an embargo on the crossover services, churches may meet earlier to praise God for the gift of life despite the global crisis and place their requests for 2021.

Ayokunle added that in such states, services should end by 11:00pm at most to enable worshippers to return home on time.

He added, “It is a passing phase and this too shall pass away in Jesus Name. Very soon, the pandemic will become history and we will return to our usual routine services in Jesus Name.”

He advised state governments to continuously relate with CAN leadership in their states for understanding and support of their directives.

“We are partners in progress and development of the country. We also call on local government authorities to enforce the COVID-19 protocols in our markets and in the transport sector”, his statement added.

(DAILY POST)

Related Topics:#Crossover night #Rev Samson Ayokunle CAN

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Trump’s Airstrikes: Halt Military Cooperation With US Immediately – Sheikh Gumi Tells Tinubu Govt

Published

24 minutes ago

December 26, 2025

Editor

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Federal Government to immediately halt all military cooperation with the United States following reported US airstrikes.

Gumi warned that American involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges and undermine national sovereignty.

Gumi made the call in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday.

He said while Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such actions should only be carried out by what he described as “clean hands,” arguing that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead such efforts because of its global military record.

According to the cleric, Nigeria made a mistake by allowing foreign powers to play a role in its counterterrorism operations, insisting that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists” and that such interventions often result in civilian casualties and hidden political motives.

Gumi warned that allowing Nigeria to become a theatre of war would attract anti-US forces into the country, further destabilising it.

He also cautioned that US involvement, particularly under claims of protecting Christians, could polarise the country along religious lines.

The cleric further argued that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, stressing that effective counterterrorism requires strong ground operations, which he said Nigeria has enough personnel to carry out if properly organised.

“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’.

“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies.

“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” part of his statement reads.

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Shehu Sani Reacts To Trump’s Military Strikes In Nigeria

Published

33 minutes ago

December 26, 2025

Editor

Former lawmaker, senator Shehu Sani, has reacted to reports of United States military strikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West, saying foreign powers cannot permanently handle the country’s security challenges.

Sani made the remarks on Friday via his X handle while responding to a post by the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, which indicated that the strikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

According to him, if the reported strikes were indeed a joint operation with Nigerian security agencies, then such action was justifiable, given the threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.

He described terrorists operating in parts of northern Nigeria as “cancerous cells,” stressing that they survive through violence and should be confronted decisively.

Sani also dismissed narratives suggesting that terrorist attacks target only one religious group, describing such claims as false and misleading.

He said: “If actually, the military strikes against the terrorists targets in the North Western part of Nigeria were a joint operation with the ‘Nigerian Authorities’ as posted by the US AFRICOM on their verified X handle, then it’s a conscionable action.

“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country.They live by the sword.The narrative that the evil terrorists only targets one faith, remains absolutely false and misleading.

“Again, the ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power. They can complimentarily or unilaterally strike, but they can’t eternally fight our battles.”