The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has honoured 85-year-old Imam Abubakar Abdullahi who saved over 200 Christians from attacks in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State.
The CAN President, Dr Samson Ayokunle, conferred the award on Abubakar at the “Sapphire CAN Day” Award of Excellence and Dinner organised to mark the 45th anniversary of the association on Saturday in Abuja.
Abdullahi hid the Christians on June 24 when suspected herdsmen invaded 15 communities in the area council and killed over 200 people.
Speaking at the event, the vice president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo urged Christian and other Nigerian leaders to be advocates of freedom of worship, justice and the rule of law.
Osinbajo, who was also honoured conferred with CAN’s Award of Excellence at the event, also delivered President Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government’s felicitations to the Christian body on the celebration.
“In pursuit of a more united and peaceful society, Christian groups and leaders of faith in Nigeria must preach fairness and equity at all times and be relentless advocates of freedom of worship, justice and the rule of law,” Osinbajo said.
He said fairness, equity and respect for the rights of others are fundamental to peace and security, hence Christian leaders at all levels must strive to promote those virtues despite the challenges.
“We must continue to let the important truth be known that Christ did not come to establish a religion or to condemn men but to show all men that his own righteousness, not our righteousness or performance, is the qualification for eternal life.
“That the gospel commands consideration for the views of others, treating them as we would wish to be treated; non-violent communication, that our words must be words of grace seasoned with salt.
“We must, as an organisation and as individuals, remain constant and relentless advocates of freedom of worship, respect for human rights, fairness, justice and the rule of law,” he said.
On the works of the current and past leadership of CAN in promoting religious tolerance, Osinbajo said: “CAN has not only been continually faithful to its founding vision, it has become a veritable force for peace, unity and social justice.
“Pursuant to the gospel, CAN has consistently spoken up on behalf of the “least of these” in our society.
“Importantly, the current and past leadership of CAN have acted in full realization and recognition of their roles as pivotal stakeholders alongside the Government, private sector in nation-building.
“We are proud of the role of moral compass of society and interlocutor for peace among the different faiths that CAN has played and continues to play in our nation.
“We are also proud of the enormous work that the current executive of CAN, ably led by His Eminence, Rev. Supo Ayokunle, has done.
“I am aware of your collaboration with the leadership of the Islamic and other faiths, to reconcile where there are conflicts, to pacify where there has been offence, and to reprimand where there have been misdeeds. Well done and congratulations.”
Speaking on dousing religious and ethnic tensions in the society, the VP said “as we have seen in the past few years not just in Nigeria but all over the world, there is a growing religious and ethnic chauvinism.
“An almost intemperate, vehement and often violent dismissal of the views of people of other persuasions without adequate consideration. At the same time there is the rise of identity and cultural politics. Brethren, the answer to hate, intolerance and conflict is the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Presenting the award the vice president, Ayokunle, said the honour was in recognition of Osinbajo’s outstanding performance in public service over the past years, both at state and national levels.
“This Award of Excellence is conferred on you today in recognition of your invaluable contributions as an ideal Christian in the Nigerian political space and governance.”
Other awardees included a former heads of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd); Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
The other recipients were secretary to the government of the federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; nine state governors; senator and former governor of Imo State, Mr. Rochas Okorocha; a former speaker of the house of representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara; faith leaders, including past presidents and general secretaries of CAN, among others.
