Yemi Adedeji, Abuja
The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has berated presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie for describing CAN as “CAN of Worms”.
The Christian body had insisted that the federal government should rescue Leah Sharibu and stop the killings of Nigerians, especially Christians by radicals, which promoted the outburst of Onochie.
Joseph John Hayab, Public Relations Officer of Northern States CAN and Abuja in a statement issued on Friday said never in the history of Nigeria has a Presidential spokesperson displayed ignorance and greed for opportunity by Insulting an entire religion and its organised association as demonstrated by the irresponsible remarks by Onochie.
Northern CAN called on President Muhammadu Buhari to caution his aides not to create further religious tension with their unguarded speeches,stressing that they should learn from previous Nigeria leaders, both Christians and Muslims, whose aides did not ever, publicly or privately, disparage people of other faiths.
“And if she has done this foolish act to gain favors, then our Muslim brothers and friends should know that Onochie is bereft of a good home training,” it said.
Continuing, it noted; “We will never speak evil of another religion and we have been engaged on calling on all true Christians in position of authority to use good and godly words even when responding to insults, no matter the provocation, not as this presidential spokeswoman has done.
“CAN Northern States and Abuja want her to know that power is transient and we have seen opportunist like her who end with regrets. CAN Northern States in Nigeria preaches and practices peace as well as call for justice which is the bedrock of true peace.”
“We call on the international community to take note of those promoting hate speeches and segregation in our country through deliberate insult of people in other faith without knowledge of the realities on ground.