The Christian Lawyers Of Nigeria (CLASFON) in her recent quarterly meeting – Presidential-in-counsel (PIC) meeting held on the 9th and 10th of June, 2022 at Calabar, Cross River State has called out the Government at all levels to wake up to their responsibilities and obligations in key societal pillars to the citizens of Nigeria.

In an official communique made available to Newsmen, signed by the President and National Secretary of the Association, Prof. John Oluwole Akintayo and Precious Nwadimuya respectively, CLASFON made a detailed report on her recommendations on four (4) key societal topics and issues in Nigeria which were arrived at the PIC meeting.

These four public issues were;
1. Insecurity.
2. Politics.
3. Education.
4. Killing of Deborah Yakubu.

On the issue of insecurity in Nigeria, CLASFON expressed her concern and called out the government at all levels to take action towards protecting its citizens. The communique stated thus;

1. CLASFON expresses concern over the general State of insecurity in the land. The body believes government apathy and reluctance to go all out to fish out the culprits/criminals and decisively deal with them by the laws of the land is what emboldens criminal elements to persist in such heinous acts. There seems to be an encouragement of jungle justice in such heinous acts. There seems to be an encouragement of jungle justice

2. CLASFON calls on the Federal Government not to overlook the statements recently released by the Methodist Prelate in Nigeria, following his recent abduction and release from bandits/kidnappers’ enclave, where he alleged that security personnel were giving cover to some of these criminals. This statement corroborates the earlier revelations/allegations by the late Dr. Obadiah Mailafia (of blessed memory) concerning the role of the military in aiding and abetting activities of criminal elements.
Still on the issue of insecurity, commenting on the Owo massacre, CLASFON continued thus;

3. CLASFON condemns in strong terms the massacre of innocent worshippers on Sunday 5 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, leading to the loss of scores of lives.

4. CLASFON states that governments at all levels and security agencies should wake up to their responsibilities in doing what is needful rather than merely issuing condolence messages that bears no impact on the deteriorating security situation. We commend the quick response of Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi in cutting short his journey to the APC convention in Abuja to commiserate and visit the church and his people. Commenting on the issue of politics, the Association expressed the need for Nigerians to be politically aware and called out INEC to extend deadline for voter`s registration. The communique continued thus;

5. CLASFON expresses the need for the political class to strive to ensure that politics in NIGERIA does not become the exclusive preserve of money bags in Nigeria democracy as this will tend to endanger the future of democracy in the country. CLASFON calls on INEC to immediately consider extending the date fixed for the close of continuous voter registration particularly in troubled towns and cities of our country where it has been difficult for INEC stafff to conduct the exercise effectively due to security concerns. This is to give opportunity to Nigerian citizens in such localities and enable them obtain their Permanent Voters Card. INEC is further encouraged to provide a fair and level playing field for all political partiesas we approach the 2023 general elections.

6. CLASFON also calls on INEC to prepare adequately for the forthcoming general elections in 2023. Do all that maybe necessary to play all loopholes and avert the shortcomings and corruption experienced in previous elections.

Reacting to the issue of Education in Nigeria, the Association expressed her disappointment in the ASUU strike which it referred to as a ‘shame to our nation’. The communique stated thus:

8. CLASFON observes with dismay, the weak charge filed against the suspects arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of Deborah Yakubu in Sokoto State over an allegation of blasphemy. We call on the Nigerian Police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure everyone connected with the murder is apprehended and we urge the office of the DPP in Sokoto State to review the charge and ensure justice is served by bringing the appropriate charge. We use this opportunity to call on all Nigerians to respect the religion of one another and continue to live in peace and harmony.

9. CLASFON commends the General Overseer of the Omega Power Ministries (OPM) in Port Harcourt, Pastor Chibuzor Chinyere for his prompt response in providing aid and succor to the family of the late Deborah Yakubu by relocating them to Port Harcourt and providing them with a home and means of livelihood. This kind of gesture will go a long way in helping them heal faster and free them from the possible destruction of their home and lives by those who killed their daughter.

Concluding, the association urged all Nigerians and Friends of Nigeria not to give up but put hope and confidence in God who will halt wickedness as well as judge those who aid it and intervene in the 2023 general elections. These are the prayers of CLASFON.