The Christian Council of Nigeria, CCN, has said that the recent pronouncement by the government of the United States designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, CPC, on account of gross human rights violations and reports of Christian genocide within the country, should not be misconstrued as invasion of a sovereign state but should be seen as answered prayer by every people of conscience.

The CCN said the anticipated intervention by the American government should be seen as a welcome development to assist Nigeria in dealing with the intractable problem of insecurity which has devastated the country for nearly two decades now.

In a statement signed by Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha and Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara, President and General Secretary, respectively, CCN said: ?This is not the time for debate on whether there is Christian genocide in Nigeria or not. Rather, it is a time to set aside political considerations, ethnic affiliations, and religious inclinations, and join hands and purpose to address this challenge once and for all.

?Instead of reading undue meanings into Trump?s threat/challenge and spinning baseless conspiracy theories that only divert attention from the issue at stake, our leaders should be allowed to think straight on how to collaborate with the United States of America to take out these enemies of humankind, whether Nigerians or foreigners.?

Continuing, CCN said: ?As a faith-based organization committed to justice, peace, and unity, the Christian Council of Nigeria views the apparent lack of political will to stop the slaughter of Nigerians in their own land as a grave reflection of our nation?s deteriorating moral, security, and governance conditions.

?The spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and religious intolerance across the

country is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. Every life lost diminishes our humanity and offends the image of God in human beings.

?While we acknowledge that insecurity did not begin today, we affirm that the sacred duty of any government is to protect life and property.

?As the body of Christ, we reject violence, oppression, and hatred in any form. We call upon all Christians and Nigerians of goodwill to pray fervently for Nigeria that righteousness may once again exalt our dear nation (Proverbs 14:34).

?We should remember that peace is not the absence of war but the presence of justice. In this critical moment, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with the government, civil society, and international partners for a just, peaceful, and united Nigeria, where the dignity of every person is protected in the name of God.

?History will be kind to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if he seizes this opportunity to end the killings that have plagued this country for many years now.

?Every right-thinking Nigerian and all people of goodwill should uphold our President in prayer for the wisdom and courage to act now.? (Vanguard)

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