By Joseph Edegbo:
The Congress of Northern Nigeria Christians, CNNC has Inaugurated 14 standing Committees to spearhead the formulation of policies and programmes in line with the aims and objectives of the body.
At the ceremony in Kaduna on Saturday, the Chairman of the Congress, Prof. Adamu Baikie said the committees which would serve as the engine room, would produce a working document to direct the affairs of the Congress for maximum results.
He asked them to undertake an in-depth study of the current realities and integrate them into what was already on ground and also marshal resources for effective policy implementation.
While urging the members to vigorously embark on membership mobilisation, Prof Baikie directed that issues of health, women and youth affairs should be on the front burner of the Congress.
On politics, the CNNC expressed concern over continued discrimination on appointments on religious ground and the non-teaching of the religious knowledge in schools in some States in the region.
Prof. Baikie however reiterated the Commitment of the Congress to collaborate with government, traditional rulers and other faith to ensure Peace and harmony among the people.
In an exhortation, Rev. Barnabas Arastus of the House On the Rock, Kaduna encouraged members of the Committees to embrace the responsibilities placed on them with all sense of commitment and faithfulness so as to leave a legacy for future generation.
Arastus noted that the Inauguration came at a right time in Northern Nigeria where, according to him, Christians are facing prosecution.
The clergy man therefore charged them to go all out to attain success for the benefit of the entire Christians.
Responding on behalf of the members, Chairman Security committee, General Sylvester Audu promised to ensure that the confidence reposed in them by the Congress would be zealously guided.
He also assured that the committees would do their best to uphold the objectives of the Congress for all members to feel the impact.
The Committees whose membership was drawn from various fields of human endeavour, include Education headed by Prof. Olu Jegede, Politics Prof Patricia Donley, Security Gen Sylvester Audu, Women Affairs Mrs Ene Ede while Communications and Information Technology is headed by Reuben Buhari .
We the Christians in Northern Nigeria salute the ideals of our founding fathers for the dream of having to establish a platform that will complement the effort of CAN in ensuring that Christians in Northern Nigeria have a common voice to decry the injustices meted out to Christians in Northern Nigeria in particular and Nigeria at large. I hope all Christians irrespective of denomination will work towards the success of this brand new organization. Hallelujah. Amen.