The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said it does not get involved in issues such as the strict ban on church activities inside residential buildings as ordered by the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Muhammad Isa Umaru.
MyNigeria learnt that the emir took the decision following the report of a committee set up to address concerns and petitions raised by residents against church activities in residential areas.
The committee said it found out that a church in Yadi Quarters, Rano town, was conducting services in a residential house against legal procedures.
To prevent a breach of peace, the emir put a stop to church activities in residential buildings, as revealed by the Committee Secretary, Alhaji Umar Isa Sarki.
The action of the emir sparked intense displeasure from many Nigerians on social media who described it as an attack on freedom of religion.
One X user, @CYoruba27445, said, “The Head of Christian Pentecostals in the South should also write a letter to the Sultan of Sokoto to live and let live and stop persecuting Christians!”
On her part, @NyikwaghR87073 condemned the Muslim monarch, saying his gesture is “Coming from a religion that prays everywhere, road, market, bank, everyfuckingwhere. It will be good to see his reaction.”
Also, one @madu_uwa, said the emir “also needs to ban mosque activities in residential homes (if there are any) to avoid resentment from the Christian group.”
When MyNigeria contacted the CAN Director on National Issues and Social Welfare, Apostle Commodore Abiola Ayuba, he replied with a text message, saying, “No comments, please.”
He added, “CAN does not join issues with individuals irrespective of their status. There is law in the land and citizens are entitled to pursue their rights in courts of competent jurisdiction.”
Source: www.mynigeria.com
