Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, has charged the newly inaugurated State Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Bayelsa chapter, to be politically neutral.
Addressing the executives and members of CAN on Monday, August 24, 2026, during the inauguration ceremony at the Redeemed Glory Family Church, Agudama-Epie, Yenagoa, Diri lamented that the unity God requires in the church was lacking.
He observed that there was much bickering, greed and pursuit for personal aggrandizement over God’s desire.
The Bayelsa helmsman called for greater unity in the body of Christ to enable it fulfil its divine purpose in the state and the country at large.
Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, said “there is great strength in unity, as long as the body of Christ is united, there is practically nothing it cannot achieve in the service of God and humanity.
“The level of unity God requires in the contemporary Church is lacking, as there is too much bickering, greed and strong liking for personal aggrandisement within the body of Christ.
“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 impact in society.”
The governor also emphasized the longstanding relationship between the Church and government, stressing the need for the pulpit to preach the real gospel by standing boldly to speak truth to power without cowering in fear.
His words, “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.”
While congratulating the outgone Revd Father Joseph Opelema-led state CAN Executive Council and the newly inaugurated leadership, he expressed confidence that the new Exco would foster greater relationships within the body of Christ in Bayelsa.
Inaugurating the new State Executive Council of CAN, Reverend Father Victor Ofili commended the Bayelsa State chapter of CAN for the existing unity and for meeting its financial obligations at the national level.
Reverend Father Ofili, who is the CAN South-South Vice Chairman, appealed to the Bayelsa State Government to sustain its support to CAN both at the state and regional levels.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Bayelsa Chapter, Reverend Abili Samuel Abili, pledged to lead the foremost Christian organization with humility and a high sense of responsibility to the body of Christ.
Reverend Abili appreciated the Governor Douye Diri-led administration, which he said has been a great partner of CAN, for creating a conducive atmosphere for the body of Christ.
He equally appreciated his predecessor, Very Reverend Father Joseph Opelema, for the good foundation he had laid, and also 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 Mieseigha Daniel Egbegi, Vice Chairman; Reverend Father Raymond Ogiramkopu Ogio, Secretary; and Senior Apostle Michael Makpah, 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.
