Church, Nigerians must share responsibility for insecurity, corruption, hardship — CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN has urged the Church and Nigerians to accept collective responsibility for the country’s recurring crises, insecurity, corruption and economic hardship, warning against blaming political leaders alone.

CAN Vice-President, Rev. Stephen Panya-Baba, made the call during a special thanksgiving service in Abuja on Sunday.

He said the country’s challenges required citizens and the Church to examine their actions and contribute to efforts to rebuild the nation.

Panya-Baba argued that Nigerians must support efforts to restore the country while recognising their own roles in addressing its problems.

He stressed that accepting collective responsibility would not stop CAN from holding the government accountable for its policies and decisions.

The cleric said the association would continue to speak on critical national issues, either privately or publicly, depending on the circumstances.

He noted that CAN had contributed to peacebuilding, religious freedom advocacy, national engagement and public discourse over the past five decades.

Citing Proverbs 14:34, Panya-Baba said national renewal required righteousness, repentance and a commitment to abandoning wrongdoing.

“CAN must mobilise Nigerians to pray for the country and seek God’s intervention while promoting justice, fairness and equity across religious, ethnic and regional divides.

Nigerians must humble themselves, pray, seek God’s face and turn away from wickedness so that the nation can experience healing and restoration,” Panya-Baba said.

The CAN vice-president also acknowledged the challenges the association had faced over the years.

These include leadership disputes, internal disagreements, religious persecution, insecurity, interreligious tensions, financial difficulties and public criticism.

Despite these setbacks, he expressed confidence in CAN’s future and called on members to remain united and committed to its mission.

Panya-Baba also expressed hope that Nigeria would make greater progress and that future generations would inherit a godly legacy.