Finally, CAN States Stance On RUGA

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari to drop the planned RUGA scheme.

Naija News reports that Pastor Samson Ayokunle, the President of CAN, announced the position of the association at a church leaders’ summit in Lagos on Saturday, August 31.

The Association said it was opposed to the implementation of the programme anywhere in Nigeria.

“We, the Christian body call on the Federal Government to immediately suspend and abrogate the RUGA settlement programme,’’ Ayokunle said.

The CAN President said anything that smacks of mutual distrust should be avoided in the interest of national unity.

Naija News recalls that the Federal Government had on May 21, approved what it termed the RUGA settlement scheme, to curb open grazing of animals nationwide.

This online news platform understands that RUGA entails the settlement of animals by farmers in an organised place with the provision of necessary amenities.

Reacting to the planned RUGA settlements, Ayokunle said CAN is opposed to the policy.

The CAN President said also that the perception by many Christians that CAN had not been showing enough interest in national issues was wrong.

“Let me state it here that our position, although it may differ from that of government is not opposition but a way of helping those in government.

“Our position is a way of helping those in government by calling their attention to the dangers that may come from the proposed action if adequate caution is not considered.

“We, the Christian body also kick against the Control of Waterways Bill now before the National Assembly. The Control of Waterways by the Federal Government Bill before the National Assembly should be rejected.

“Waterways in each locality should be controlled by local authorities. God created the waterways there. At most, they should be controlled by State Governments.”