National Dialogue: Nigerian Christians Body Calls for Equal Representation
The Christian Association of Nigeria has said every ethnic group and religious society in the country should be represented at the proposed national conference.
The umbrella body said that without equal representation of every unit, the outcome of the conference may not be comprehensive.
The call was made by an executive member in Lagos chapter of CAN, Pastor Barnabas Otoibhi. He said, “In order to achieve stability, the proposed national dialogue should stand upon the tripod of equality, fairness and justice. Representation should be on equal basis, since there are more than 250 ethnic groups and more than four religions in the country.
“If representation is based on the six geo-political zones or the 36 States, plus the Federal Capital Territory or Local Government Areas, some ethnic groups and religions will be disadvantaged, which will make the country remain where it has been.”
The CAN spokesman, who is also the General Overseer of the Temple Rebuilders Ministry, further advised that critics should be constructive while making their contributions, as meaningful development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and love.
Otoibhi urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the outcome of the conference was implemented to avoid “the outcome of previous conferences organised by his predecessors, which ended in the crises of integrity and skepticism.”
He also challenged the couples at the gathering to embrace openness and selflessness in their homes so that the society can be better for it.
“Whatever is happening in the family is what is reflecting in the society. If we all stopped practising self interest which has weakened our family structure today and has put this nation in jeopardy, our society will be better for it,” he said.