CAN backs national dialogue

The Christian Association of Nigeria has inaugurated a six-member committee that will draft a document to articulate its position at the Federal Government’s National Dialogue. The association in supporting the dialogue said there should not be restriction regarding issues to be discussed. The members of the committee are Prof. Emele Uka (chairman); Mrs. Kate Okparake; Apostle Etimbule Sunday; Elder John Achimugu; Chief Chukwuma Igwe; and Elder Albert Uko (Secretary). The President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, while inaugurating the committee on Monday night in Abuja expressed CAN’s support for the confab. According to him, there is no better time for the country to have a dialogue than now adding, “Today, for me and for CAN, is historic and important because we are taking an important step in the right direction.” He faulted opponents of the proposed dialogue and wondered why any Nigerian would oppose an agenda that would address the challenges facing the country. Oritsejafor said, “Nigeria has come of age, President Goodluck Jonathan has taken a bold step that will address all the issues about Nigeria. As CAN President, I want to congratulate the President for taking this step. We are prepared and set for it. So, we are setting up a special committee that will draft the presentation we will make at the conference.” While opposing those criticising the proposed national conference, the CAN President said, “Sometimes, I get troubled about the way some people reason. A man has taken a bold step. So many people have been calling for a national conference. Suddenly, some people are saying the timing is wrong. “I remember some people then said that the President should dialogue with Boko Haram. We said no, but he went ahead and negotiated with criminals. Where we are now is very critical. We need to sit down and talk. Let everyone bring the card to the table. “This is an incredible opportunity for us to sit down and talk. The positive side outweighs the negative side.” The CAN President also criticised those saying there should be “no ‘no-go-areas’ during the dialogue saying “everything should be brought to the table.” “To be honest with you, I don’t know what anybody means with no ‘no go area’. A dialogue is a dialogue. I really don’t understand. If we are going to sit down to talk, then we should do that. We should be free to discuss,” he stressed. Oritsejafor also revealed the steps taken by CAN in resolving the four months old face-off between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities.