KEY POINTS
- CAN wants transparency in the investigation of how Living Faith Church got airstrip licence.
- The church states that the purpose was to be lawful and transparent.
- CAN calls for constructive dialogue to prevent divide in the nation and continue to protect religious freedoms.
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has tasked the government to establish a transparent and impartial investigation into the controversial license given to a Living Faith Church’s headquarters, Canaanland, in Ota, Ogun State.
It comes after the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, granted the church the licence back in October to build the airstrip, run by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
The decision has caused security concerns, especially from members of the House of Representatives who have demanded the revocation of some of the airstrips granted to private individuals and organizations.
Legality and transparency: stands CAN
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh in Saturday’s statement said lawmakers are concerned about security risks and misuse of private airstrips.
But he stressed that the church had followed all the legal requirements in obtaining the licence and appealed to the House Committee on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to make sure that the investigation into the matter is both fair and transparent.
“All legal requirements have been met to secure the license, the church said.” Okoh said it was important not to connect religious institutions to illegal activities without solid basis and ‘prematurely,’ because any unfounded association could damage the integrity of the institution, church, and relevant regulatory bodies.
Call for a constructive dialogue for a true national unity
According to Okoh, stakeholders should engage in a constructive dialogue on the issue and avoid using it as platform to undermine the rights of religious organisations.
Revoking the licence without hard evidence could result in a dangerous precedent for future legal and religious matters, he also added.
For demonizing the church without just cause is as unfair as it is contrary to principles of justice and fairness that bind our nation. He added: ‘This is an opportunity to strengthen, not fracture, trust between religious communities and the state.’
CAN said it is ready to support national security efforts while respecting rights and freedoms of religious institutions.
