By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Friday, warmly felicitates with Muslim brothers and sisters across the country as they commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

This was contained in a statement issued by CAN and signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Abuja.

Hr said, Eid-ul-Maulud offers all Nigerians a moment of reflection on the values of humility, compassion, justice and devotion to God which the Prophet exemplified.

Thr statement reads in part, “As our nation marks this occasion, we are reminded that Nigeria stands at a critical crossroad. The challenges of governance, economic hardship, and the deep yearning for credible leadership call for renewed commitment to principles that promote fairness, accountability and compassion.

“We therefore urge political leaders, at all levels, to use this solemn season to embrace justice in their decisions, ease the burdens of hardship on citizens, and foster policies that strengthen unity and uphold the dignity of every Nigerian. Integrity and fairness must guide leadership if our nation is to realise its potential for peace and prosperity.

“On behalf of the Christian community, I extend warm wishes to all Muslims for a peaceful and joyous celebration. 

“May this Eid-ul-Maulud inspire stronger bonds of unity across faiths, renew our shared hope for Nigeria, and encourage us all to work together for a just and prosperous nation.

“Happy Eid-ul-Maulud!”.

ReplyReply allForwardAdd reaction

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

There appears to be no respite in sight for the embattled Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Bishop of the Niger Province and Bishop Of Awka Diocese, Bishop Alexander Ibezim, over his alleged involvement in alleged fraudulent sale of N2 billion lands belonging to the church.

Following public outcry over the alleged unauthorised sale of the lands, the Primate, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion has set up a high powered visitation panel to probe circumstances leading to the transactions.

A letter of invitation to testify, contribute and submit documents to the visitation panel signed by the General Decretary of the Church, Venerable Paul Dajur, has been sent to all the individuals involved in the matter, including the Senior Advocate Barrister Tagbo, for them to appear before the panel on the 29th and 30th August, 2025 for proceedings of the visitation panel.

The visitation panel is to seat at St. Mathias Church Gudu, Abuja on the matter as directed by the Primate of the church due to the bad image the said action of the Bishop is said to have brought to the church following public reactions to media publications.

The panel is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the primate of the church who has the final authority on issues of overseeing and management of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion.

Bishop Alexander Ibezim is also alleged to have diverted the sum of N750 million into his personal account after the sales.

The alleged fraudulent land sales were said to have been done by the bishop in utter violation of the church’ constitution and laid down procedures on management and sales of church properties.

These issues and other allegations blew open in a petition already written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Primate of the Anglican Communion by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Chief Tagbo Ike on behalf of Prince Echezona Bonti Onuigbo.

The secretary of Awka Diocese, the Very Rev. Chris Adimorah was said to have demanded his 10 percent share of the sales for his legal and advisory services on the sales but was rebuffed by the Bishop.

In the wake of the crisis and to forestall public knowledge, the Bishop is said to have unjustifiably sacked the Secretary of the Diocese who blew open the can of worms.

The Bishop also sacked the Chancellor of the Diocese, the highly respected retired judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Okeke, who allegedly refused the offer of N20 million and a land to lend credence and authenticity to the illegal and fraudulent sales of the church land.

It will be recalled that in the wake of the scandal a revered Chancellor of the Church, a high court judge has resigned his appointment as Chancellor in sympathy with Justice Okeke and against the scandal in the church of God.

By, Godwin Okeh Abakaliki 

The Archdiocesan Bishop of Methodist Church, Archdiocese of Ebonyi, His Grace Most Rev. Chikwendu Ogan Igwe has condemned in totality the spate of insecurity and killings of innocent citizens, especially in Plateau, Benue and some part of Ebonyi State.

Igwe, however, called on governments at all levels and wealthy personalities in Nigeria to rise and use their privileged positions to impact on the poor and less privileged in the society.

The Archdiocesan Bishop, Igwe made this known in a communiqué signed by him and the Archdiocesan Lay President, Onwe Sunday Onwe and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki, shortly after the end of the 31st annual synod of the diocese of Abakaliki, held at the cathedral of the holy Trinity, Ebonyi State.

The synod, however commended the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for citing the coastal Roads that passed through Ebonyi State, adding that the roads will encourage economic development and ease of transport and communication in the area.

He equally applauded the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru for  his intervention in communal clashes in some areas of the state, especially in Effium/Ezza Effium, Amasiri/Edda, Amangwu/Isinkwo and encouraged him not to relent in restoration of total peace in the entire State.

The eleven points communique reads in part: “The Synod encouraged the governor, Francis Nwifuru not to relent in the restoration of total peace in the entire State and also praise  his administration for human capital development he exhibits through the people charter of needs which Methodist Church has also benefited from, before and especially during the inauguration of the Archdiocese of Ebonyi.

“The Synod affirmed that Methodist Church Nigeria has risen to their responsibilities of not only praying for the state and Nigeria, the

 Citizens and especially leaders at all levels but also to contribute their quota in addressing issues of concern where necessary.

“The assembly called for attitudinal change of sacrificial giving and faithful tithing, aggressive evangelism, health services, welfare of workers and other spiritual infrastructural development of the Diocese to achieve a better result.

“The synod called on the leaders to cultivate good relationships with God as in the case of Mary and Martha in order to attract God’s intervention in the present unstable economic downturn of the Nation.

“The Synod condemned the spate of insecurity pervading the entire Nation especially the recent killings in Plateau, Benue and some part of Ebonyi State and advised that leadership at all levels should arise to tackle these threats to lives and properties.

“In the face of the uncertainty in our present society, insecurity, hunger, poverty and hardships, the Synod enjoined the general public to allow the resurrection power of Christ to drive their faith to Christ’s redemptive work. 

“The Synod called on the general public and youths in particular to shun all   forms of social vices, such as cultism, ritual killings, drug abuse, sexual immorality and illicit masquerading especially among the Christendom” the communiqué noted.

ReplyReply allForwardAdd reaction