The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State, Stephen Adegbite, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, dialogue, and patriotism as the country grapples with a rising wave of insecurity.
Adegbite made the appeal during a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday, expressing concern over increasing security challenges across the country. He urged citizens not to lose faith in the government and security agencies’ ability to restore peace and protect lives.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) encouraged Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences, to remain hopeful and united, expressing optimism that the nation would overcome its present difficulties.
“As Christian leaders and patriotic Nigerians,” he said, “we shall continue to pray for peace, unity, progress and good governance in our dear country. We also call on all Nigerians, irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations, to remain united and hopeful.”
He added that Nigerians have the right to express concerns over insecurity and other national issues, noting that democracy thrives when citizens are allowed to speak freely within the boundaries of the law.
However, Adegbite cautioned against actions that could deepen divisions or destabilise the country, stressing the importance of responsible civic engagement.
“Protests should not become instruments of political destabilisation, incitement, or attempts to seize power unlawfully,” he said. “National interest must remain paramount.”
He emphasised that while constructive criticism is essential for democratic development, actions that could lead to chaos or undermine national stability must be avoided.
Calling for collective responsibility, Adegbite urged political leaders, interest groups, and citizens to prioritise national unity over personal or partisan interests.
“As religious leaders, we call for restraint, dialogue, and patriotism from all stakeholders. This is the time to build the nation together and not pull it apart,” he said.
The Lagos CAN chairman also condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State and the killing of a Mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, describing the incidents as inhumane.
He extended condolences to affected families and prayed for the safe return of kidnapped victims, stating that perpetrators of such acts are “enemies of humanity” who do not represent any genuine religious teachings.
Adegbite further noted that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, has continued efforts aimed at strengthening national security and addressing insecurity across the country.
