By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
A new faith based group, Northern Christian Religious Assembly (NOCRELA) has emerged in northern Nigeria, maintaining however that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) remains the overall head of all Christian affiliations and groups as the sole umbrella body Christian matters depended on in Nigeria.
The National President of NOCRELA, Archbishop John Praise Daniel stated this at the inauguration/investiture of Niger state chapter in Minna over the weekend.
Archbishop Daniel who however said he is not against springing up of various groups but such groups should be able to add their voices in amplifying what the CAN is doing to avoid creating divisions.
Bishop Daniel who was represented by the National Public Secretary of NOCRELA, Rev. Bulus Bature Yayaha, said the main purpose/function of the Assembly is to stand firm for the Christian faith and with the CAN.
“NOCRELA is not another organisation that is in rivalry with the Christian Association of Nigeria, rather, it is a movement that compliments the workings of tge CAN as our umbrella body".
Out of the two major religions, Bishop Daniel said Christians only have CAN whereas other major religions has different recognised groups operating in the fold.
In his short words of exhortation, Niger state Chairman of CAN, Most. Rev. Bulus Yohanna said Christian community needed voices that can speak for Christians in the state.
The CAN chairman who spoke through his Deputy, Rev. Joshua Marcus was however quick to add that though it is good to have diverse groups, but, “can we all agree to speak with one voice?”
Bishop Yohanna nevertheless emphasized that, “this is the time we needed people, both individuals and groups of persons to speak for us; and for us to unite and speak with one voice.”
With the calibre of persons the body has, the Clergy man said there is need for Christians to come out en-mass, because, “It is only in Christianity that leaders are left to stand alone and not given support on certain positions”.
Chairman of the inauguration committee, Evangelist Charles Amatu had earlier remarked that the inauguration was long overdue, pointing out that, “other northern states have had their executives in place and Niger is just coming up with its executives".
Also speaking, Niger state NOCRELA chairman, Rev. Samuel Shaba, while inaugurating the Women wing led by, Hon. Deborah Salawu charged them to work in partnership with the state leadership to avoid creating wrong impressions of disunity within the fold. NNL.
