President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has said that Nigerians shouldn’t be classified by religion because first and foremost, we are members of the same family.
Oritsejafor made this statement during the retreat of the National Christian Elders Forum in Abuja.
He said “I wish to use this medium to call upon religious leaders, traditional rulers, as well as political leaders in the nation to come forward, not only to condemn these unwarranted attacks on Nigerian citizens but also to engage in meaningful intra and inter dialogue to put an end to these senseless killings. While our faith may differ, we remain members of the same family.
“We are first and foremost Nigerians before we can be classified by gender or by religion. It is not right that brothers should be killing brothers because they choose to worship God differently. It is not right.
“Those who are behind these reckless and senseless killings of Nigerian citizens should desist, if they truly fear God. While other nations are marching forward, Nigeria cannot be marching backwards! Enough is enough.”
He added that Nigerians should be allowed to support whoever they want to support, he said “It is very terrible, from certain parts of the north; there are people who are even afraid to identify with some candidates.
“Their fear is that they will be victimised. I think this kind of atmosphere is wrong. If this is a democracy, everyone should be allowed to do whatever they feel is right in their hearts, freely.
“Certain people have set the stage for such thinking, which is wrong. If this is a democracy, then we should not predetermine anything,”