By Emma Una
Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has rejected the directive by the Cross Rive State Government to stop morning devotion in secondary and primary schools across the state saying such a directive is totally unacceptable to the Association.
In a release made available to CrossRiverWatch and, signed by its State Chairman, Archbishop Joseph Edra Ukpo, CAN called on the state government to immediately withdraw such a directive as it negates freedom of worship hitherto practiced in the state.
“Sequel to the letter from the Ministry of Education with reference No. MOE/S132/VOL 1, by the Permanent Sectary of the Ministry of Education dated 21st October, directing public and private primary/secondary schools across the state to suspend all assemblies (morning and afternoon) till further notice, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter hereby says that such directive is totally unacceptable.
“This directive will negatively affect the moral upbringing of our children who are future leaders of this country”.
Mrs Anne Odey, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education in the state had last week written a letter to all the schools across the state, both primary and secondary, ordering the suspension of morning and afternoon devotion.
When contacted, Mrs Odey said the directive came from the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Henry Fadairo in view of prevailing security concerns in the country and not the state government trying to stop the age long practice established by missionaries who started most of the schools in the state.