Christian elders urge FG to see bishops’ comments as sincere counsel, not opposition

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

NNEWI — The Christian Elders and Professionals Consultative Council of Nigeria (CEPCCN) has urged the Federal Government to view the observations made by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) during their recent visit to President Bola Tinubu as sincere counsel aimed at strengthening leadership rather than partisan opposition.

The council also called for constructive engagement between the government and faith-based institutions, describing such interaction as essential for promoting national peace, justice, good governance and sustainable development.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, His Lordship Bishop Justice Alpha Ikpeama, CEPCCN said the call had become necessary following the public debate that trailed the bishops’ meeting with the President and subsequent reactions from government officials.

The statement titled, “A Respectful Appeal for Constructive Engagement Between Government and the Church,” emphasised the need for mutual respect and open dialogue between the government and religious institutions.