Diri urges Christian unity as new CAN leadership emerges in Bayelsa
August 25, 2026 9:58 am
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called for greater unity within the body of Christ to enable it to fulfil its divine purpose in the state and the country at large.
Diri made the call on Tuesday at the inauguration of the new State Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa Chapter, held at the Redeemed Glory Family Church, Agudama-Epie, Yenagoa.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, the governor stressed that unity remained a source of strength, noting that a united Christian body could achieve much in the service of God and humanity.
According to him, the level of unity God requires in the contemporary Church was lacking, as there was too much bickering, greed and a strong inclination towards personal aggrandisement within the body of Christ.
He emphasised that for unity to thrive, there must be sacrifice, love and acceptance of one another, regardless of denominational differences, to enable the Church to continually make an impact in society.
Diri, who acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the Church and government, however, insisted that it was necessary for the pulpit to preach the real gospel by standing boldly to speak truth to power without cowering in fear.
“There is much strength in unity. As long as the body of Christ is united, there is nothing we cannot achieve. The devil knows this, and that is why he fights the unity of the Church to make it impossible for the Church to achieve its purpose.
“Unity comes with a sacrifice. Somebody must let go for unity to stand. There is too much bickering in the Church, and the noise in our politics has practically overflowed into the Church.
“The tenets we propagate in society as a Church are vital to its perception. Therefore, preach the real gospel to the people around you. Take a non-partisan approach to boldly tell leaders the truth”, the governor said.
While congratulating the outgoing Rev. Father Joseph Opelema-led State CAN Executive Council and the newly inaugurated leadership, he expressed confidence that the new executive council would foster greater relationships within the body of Christ in Bayelsa.
Inaugurating the new State Executive Council of CAN, Rev. Father Victor Ofili commended the Bayelsa State chapter of CAN for the existing unity and for meeting its financial obligations at the national level.
Ofili, who is the CAN South-South Vice Chairman, appealed to the Bayelsa State Government to sustain its support for CAN at both the state and regional levels.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa Chapter, Rev. Abili Samuel Abili, pledged to lead the foremost Christian organisation with humility and a high sense of responsibility to the body of Christ.
Abili appreciated the Diri-led administration, which he said had been a great partner of CAN, for creating a conducive atmosphere for the body of Christ.
He equally appreciated his predecessor, Very Rev. Father Joseph Opelema, for the good foundation he had laid and thanked all stakeholders within the CAN family, cutting across the various blocs, for giving him the opportunity to serve the body.
Other members of the new State CAN Executive Council are Bishop Dotimi Egbegi, Vice Chairman; Rev. Father Raymond Ogiramkopu Ogio, Secretary; and Senior Apostle Michael Makpa, Treasurer.
The inauguration ceremony, which attracted Christians from across the state, was also attended by the member representing the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi; the Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr Bulodisiye Ndiwari; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia; and the CAN South-South Secretary, Bishop Lazarus Azia, among others.
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