By Jessica Dogo
The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Pastor Paul Enenche, has called on Northern Christians to be united so as to overcome challenges in Northern Nigeria.
Enenche made the call during the Northern Christians Stakeholders’ Solemn Assembly programme with the theme: The Blood of the Matyrs: “Seed of the Church”, in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gathering of Christian leaders from Northern Nigeria was convened to address the existential threats facing Northern communities in the country, whether Christians or Muslims.
The Pastor preached from the Book of Genesis, Chapter 11, Verse six, where he said that division was the enemy’s greatest success, and that unity was the key to overcoming challenges.
Enenche outlined four essential elements for achieving unity, which include: Unity of spirit, unity of speech, unity of action, and unity of prayer.
He urged the gathering to stand together, speak with one voice, and take collective action to address the security crisis in the region.
“Anytime people can be divided, they can be destroyed. It is either we hang together or we hang separately.
“When the spirit of the people are united. They become irresistible and indestructible.
“I see a new Nigeria, a new northern Nigeria, where people can go freely, day or night, without fear of being killed,” he said.
In his remarks, the former Governor of Plateau, Sen. Jonathan Jang, said awareness should always be raised and demand accountability from those who perpetrate crimes in order to ensure that they were not forgotten.
Jang, who was represented by Sen. Simon Mwadkwon, urged the media, human rights organisations, and governments to come together to amplify victims’ voices.
He said that organisations that provide refuge, medical care, and basic services to the communities must be supported not only by the governments but also by individuals and faith-based organisations worldwide.
“We must advocate stronger international responses to these crimes, whether through the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, or other diplomatic channels.
“We must call for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief for all people, everywhere in Nigeria.
“We must ensure that communities that have been displaced or who are living under threat receive the humanitarian aid they need,” he said.
On his part, the Chairman, Plateau Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Gyang Buba, urged federal and state governments to ensure that all displaced persons were safely returned to their ancestral lands.
He said, “All destroyed communities should be rebuilt to enable the people to return and pursue their legitimate lives.
“All nations desiring to assist in the rebuilding of peaceful societies be rightly engaged and their offers accepted,” stating that terrorism is now without boundaries and must be tackled globally.
“As traditional rulers, we are very willing and desiring of full engagement and cooperation with government at all levels and beyond religious sentiments,” he said.
Earlier, the Convener, Mark Lipdo, Programme Coordinator, Stephanos Foundation, thanked partners in the United States, United Kingdom and Netherlands, who supported the programme.
Lipdo said that the gathering was not partisan, denominational or ethnic but a united effort to stand for the Body of Christ. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
