The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers, as well as the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, have called on Nigerians in particular and humanity in general to reduce the amount of hatred they have for each other.

These bodies made the call yesterday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, when the Dean of the College of Bishops of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Patriarch Bassey Imowo, paid courtesy calls on them.

Imowo and his officials called on the leadership of CAN, the paramount ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, the paramount ruler of Uyo, and the chairman of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, as part of annual evangelical programs to mark his working visit to Akwa Ibom State and the Bishops' solemn conference.

CAN chairman in the state, Bishop Chris Nyong, said, “It is very important for all followers of the Lord Jesus Christ to eschew acrimony, hatred, and factionalism and rather emphasize peace, unity, and forgiveness.

“We must unify our spiritual forces in order to be able to promote God and defeat our common enemies.

“We must fight against attempts to Islamize Nigeria. Everyone has the fundamental human right to worship what he believes in.”

“The bodies of Christian’s in Nigeria should join forces to promote love, peace, and greater unity of Nigeria," he stressed.

Also speaking separately in their different offices, chairman of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers, HRM Odidem Edet, and paramount ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, said the visit of the large delegation of the Brotherhood of the Criss and Star Bishops and their message of peace, love, forgiveness, and uprightness amongst the people was very welcoming.

In his separate messages to the three personalities, the spiritual leader of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, called on them to provide fatherly leadership to their subjects and members.

He reminded them that God expects much of them to shepherd their flocks and subjects in the right direction, as they will give accounts.

“You have enormous responsibilities to care for the people under your control.

“You must tenderly care for them, provide godly leadership, and promote peace and love amongst the traditional institution and your association,” he said.