Ondo govt shuts CAN out of event centre

Members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from nine states of the Niger Delta region were  locked out of the International Events Centre, The  Dome, in Akure, the Ondo state capital,  venue for the National Summit Payer.

The CAN members who had already planned using the event centre were shut out and barred by the Ondo state government on grounds that the place was meant to host another government function.

Many of the CAN members were said to be from the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) and Niger Delta Christian Leaders Forum (NDCLF) .

They were in Akure, the Ondo state capital, for a prayer program, tagged "2017 Prayer Summit for Nigeria"

Former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, represented at the event by the general secretary Bishop Eddy Bebor   told journalists that all efforts to convince the state government to get the Christian leaders access to the venue yielded no results.

Oritsejafor, who is now the President of the Niger Delta Christian Leaders Forum (NDCLF) condemned the act of the state government in that regard.

He said though they were disappointed by the action they decided to hold their prayers outside the hall (Dome) under the scorching sun.

"Despite challenge, we have decided to converge here today to seek prayers for the development of the Niger Delta and the country as a whole.

"Prayers is the solution to the problems facing our country and by offering more supplications to God, there would be progress and unity would also reign.”

Rev. Samuel Obakulujo, the Ondo State Chairman of the Niger Delta Christian Leaders Forum (NDCLF) said, "We have achieved our aim, the purpose is to offer prayers and that we have done in obedience to God almighty for the progress of the region and Nigeria".

Some of them who spoke with journalists said they were surprised by the action of the state government wondering why they could treat people of God like that.

Contacted, the newly appointed Commissioner for Information for the state, Yemi Olowolabi denied knowledge of the government action on the CAN leaders to hold a prayer at the international event centre, DOME.