The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has expressed its commitment towards ensuring that the masses are mobilized against bad government in Nigeria.
The South-East chapter of CAN took the stand yesterday after their meeting on Tuesday, in Enugu.
Briefing journalists on the outcome of their deliberations, South-East CAN chairman, Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma said the church would not sit on the fence and watch politicians take the masses for granted.
“All the politicians who have not performed will be re-called, before talking of second tenure and all that. They should come and give account of stewardship to the people.
“Anything short of that, shall lead to a massive mobilisation against them; the church shall act as a catalyst to chase all non-performing politicians out”, CAN stated.
It also called on the federal government to make both the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu and the Onitsha Seaport functional as soon as possible.
Chukwuma, who is also the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, said: “we are also saying the Seaport in Onitsha should be made functional. We don’t like the political way the Seaport in Onitsha is being handled. Ever since we were told the port was commissioned, it has not been operational.
“We are demanding that the dredging should be completed, vessels should be arriving at the port, otherwise it will be a white elephant project.
“Similarly, the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, should be given serious effort. It has since been designated international airport, but what we are saying is that such status should not end on the paper”.
It called for the immediate resolution of all the conflicts surrounding the 2013 budget, noting that the continued delay in signing of the nation’s budget was an obvious bad sign.
“We are not happy that the 2013 budget is being delayed either because of benchmark or other conditions”, CAN stated, adding that “we want to see it signed and implementation commenced immediately”.
The religious body vowed to resist any plan by government to impose taxes on churches, insisting that “government does not give us any form of subvention, so they have no right to demand taxes from churches”.
CAN urged all the factions in the Ohaneze to drop their personal interest for the good of Ndigbo. It said it was necessary to make sure that Ohaneze leadership positions were occupied by men of proven integrity and selflessness.
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