A Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria, known in Hausa as Tarayyar Ekklesiyoyin Kristi a Najeriya (TEKAN), has commended the Federal Government for partnering with the United States of America in tackling the insecurity that has bedevilled Nigeria.
This was contained in a communique made available to reporters in Jos after their 70th General Assembly meeting in Benue state .
The communique which was jointly signed by Rev Joel Billi, and Rev Augustine Akawu Elisha, the President and General Secretary respectively reads that the 70th Assembly was held under the theme “Rooted in Christ for the Renewal of the Nations” (Colossians 2:6- which emphasized the need for the church to actively engage the world with renewing life in Christ.
They added that the Assembly is most saddened that the security situation in Nigeria, a country that used to coexist peacefully, has deteriorated to a point that the U.S government has labelled Nigeria to be a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
The Assembly called on the Federal Government to intensify her fight against terrorism adding that government should also apprehend the perpetrators, their sponsors and bring them to justice.
The communique further reads that “The Assembly is outraged and utterly condemns the continuous murder and destruction of properties of her numerous members and innocent Nigerians around the country by Fulani Herdsmen and other terrorists groups.”
” We appreciate the courageous services of security men and women who are daily standing in harm’s way to ensure our safety. “At the same time, the Assembly calls on the Federal Government to do more within its constitutional mandate to ensure that these heinous acts are brought to an end.”
They also strongly condemned the brutal killings of over 200 Christians in Yelwata, Benue State, the killings in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State, as well as the incessant crises that has plagued Takum, Ussa and Yangtu Development Area among so many other attacks on Christians in Nigeria.”
On economy The Christian body said it is is deeply concerned about the new tax laws introduced by the Federal Government.
” The Assembly views the new tax laws as a deliberate attempt to weaken the economic power of the citizenry through padding. “The Assembly called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to revisit and review the new tax reform Act. ”
They appreciated the Federal Government’s drive to incorporate religious-economic policies into her economic framework ,however stressing that they are concerned that the implementation of such economic policies like the Halal economy will not be in the interest of the secular, multi-cultural and multi religious climate of Nigeria.
In view of the forth coming 2027 general elections, the Assembly called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to expedite action on the amendment of the Electoral Act to include mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
.”In addition, the Assembly calls on her members to ensure they actively participate and vote in the forth-coming elections by voting credible candidates.
“While commending the Federal Government for the improvement we are witnessing in the agricultural sector, the Assembly calls on the Federal Government to subsidize farming inputs (pesticides and fertilizers) in order to encourage farmers amidst dwindling market prices. ”
The Assembly also unanimously
elected Rev Dr Filibu Musa ,as TEKAN President , Rev. Dr. Nendaga Asongo Adure as Vice President, Rev Dr Victor Audu as Assistant General Secretary- w Rev. Dr. Victor Audu as TEKAN Treasurer- Dr. Mrs. Justina Dama as Security .
The Assembly also extended their heartfelt thanks to their host community of NKST Mkar-Gboko in Benue state for their unwavering support, security personnel and staff for ensuring safety and order.
Our correspondent reports that TEKAN has been in existence since 1955 (over 70 years) with about 35 million members across 15 denominational churches with traceable evangelical ancestry, theological affinity and Christian belief.
