Christian Association of Nigeria demands equitable justice from Senate

Many Nigerian Christian organisations feel that the move against Plateau state, an overwhelmingly Christian state, is an indication of a growing government bias against Christians. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the imposition of a state of emergency in Plateau State as selective justice.

The C.A.N called for equitable dispensation of sanctions on Kano State where many casualties were recorded in a series of violent riots. The National Secretary of C.A.N, Engr. S.L.S. Salifu, signed a petition to Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, which indicated the lamentation that the Federal Government has not yet taken any significant measures against Kano State.

"The selective state of emergency declared in Plateau State surprised us because of the obvious facts on the ground concerning crisis issues all over the country. The mayhem in Kano is almost ten times that of Plateau. There is a need for equity, therefore we demand that a state of emergency be also slammed on Kano State; otherwise our teeming members will see the measures taken against Plateau as selective and therefore unjust."

While President Obasanjo has not imposed a state of emergency in any other states, he is reported to have warned the governors of Kano, Delta and Lagos of similar consequences if religious and ethnic violence is not brought under control.

The C.A.N chairman, Rev. Yakubu Pam, had a meeting with Obasanjo, Plateau State opinion leaders and representatives of religious groups. He used this opportunity to ask the President why they did not react when Christians were attacked and killed by Muslims in a church during February.

Obasanjo who was apparently provoked, described Pam as an "idiot talking nonsense" and also remarked that "C.A.N my foot." Recalling the incident, the cleric said he felt disappointed with the President's outburst. "My family felt bad because their father had been abused, but in the scriptures Jesus Christ was also abused," he said.

The chairman explained that his question which provoked the President was not intended to embarress him but to offer him an opportunity to explain the seeming inaction of the Federal Government in the earlier crisis in which Christians were killed and their houses burnt down.

"When I asked that question, I had in mind the feelings of Christians here generally towards the President's response to the massacre in the church. I was feeling this was an opportunity for this person to clear himself, to give a very good explanation to the other side so that there will be a balance in judgement," he stressed.

Pam said he still had high regards for the President despite the abuse towards him, and he has forgiven the President.