The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev’d Hassan Kukah, on Tuesday, warned Christian leaders to avoid closeness with the federal and state governments.
He spoke after Rev Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle won a second term as President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Ayokunle, who is the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, defeated Elder Dr Caleb Ahima, Chairman of the TEKAN/ECWA bloc in CAN.
Speaking, Kukah charged the new CAN leadership to work for the unity of the body of Christ in Nigeria and to speak truth to power without necessarily being antagonistic towards the government.
The revered cleric, who chaired the CAN electoral committee, said: “You should not be too close to the government at the expense of Church but to speak for the church when the need arises.
“This does not mean you are to be confrontational or fighting the government.
“You should work with those who contested against you, those voted for you, who worked for you and those who worked against you.
“God gives us the freedom of choice and it is that gift we have just demonstrated. I am so happy that the election was free and fair as we can all see it.”
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