The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the recent approval of an airstrip license for the Living Faith Church Headquarters, also known as Canaanland, located in Ota, Ogun State.
The license approval, announced by the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in October, allows the construction of the airstrip, which will be overseen by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. However, the move has sparked concerns among lawmakers, some of whom advocate for the revocation of airstrip licenses granted to private individuals and organizations.
CAN’s Appeal for Fairness
In a statement issued on Saturday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh emphasized the need for a transparent and impartial inquiry. He acknowledged the lawmakers’ concerns but maintained that the church had adhered to all legal requirements in obtaining the license.
Okoh cautioned against prematurely associating the church with any illegality, stating, “To prematurely associate the church with potential illegal activities, without substantive evidence, risks undermining the integrity of both religious institutions and regulatory bodies. The church stands firm on its commitment to legality and transparency.”
Advocacy for Justice and Fairness
Archbishop Okoh urged lawmakers to ensure that their actions are devoid of bias or religious undertones. He stressed that revoking the license without concrete evidence would not only harm religious organizations but could also set a troubling precedent.
“It is essential to recognize that revoking the license without substantial evidence could unjustly undermine the rights of religious organizations and set a troubling precedent for future cases,” Okoh said. “Demonizing its efforts without just cause does a disservice not only to the church but to the principles of justice and fairness that bind our nation.”
Contributions of Canaanland
Highlighting the community role of Canaanland, Okoh described it as a hub for peace, development, and service, arguing that its efforts have positively impacted its surrounding areas. He noted that the church remains committed to legality and is prepared to cooperate with the investigation.
Call for Constructive Dialogue
The CAN President appealed to all stakeholders to use this situation as an opportunity to foster collaboration between religious institutions and the state. “We call on all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation. Let this be an opportunity to strengthen, rather than fracture, the trust between religious communities and the state,” he added.
Support for National Security
Okoh assured that CAN is prepared to support measures aimed at enhancing national security, provided they uphold the rights and freedoms of religious organizations.
As the House Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance proceed with their inquiry, all eyes remain on the outcome, which could have far-reaching implications for the relationship between religious bodies and regulatory authorities in Nigeria.
