The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has released a statement, strongly condemning the gruesome murder of talented Gospel singer, Mrs. Osinachi Nwachukwu, also lending a voice to totally condemn every form of domestic violence.
PRESS RELEASE: SAY NO TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – CAN CONDEMNS THE GRUESOME MURDER OF TALENTED GOSPEL MUSICIAN, MRS. OSINACHI NWACHUKWU IN ITS STRONGEST TERM
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is indeed worried about the growing rate of toxic masculinities among men and boys most especially the most recent death of the talented Gospel Musician, Mrs. Osinachi Nwachukwu who was allegedly sent to her early grave, on the 8th April, 2022 as a result of injury sustained from domestic violence. We are extremely sad that such bundle of talent and inspirational singer, who led spellbound worships had to complete her earthly pilgrimage on account of such assault from her supposed husband. This is indeed a trying moment in the body of Christ and we commiserate with her immediate family, her children and the body of Gospel Musicians in Nigeria.
- Domestic Violence which oftentimes is a Gender-Based-Violence (GBV) refers to a range of violations that happen within the domestic space. It is a broad term that encompasses intimate partner violence (IPV), a form of abuse that is perpetrated by a current or ex‐partner(s). Experience has shown that wherever we call home is oftentimes the space where physical, psychological and sexual abuse occurs. This is because home can be a place where dynamics of power can be distorted and subverted by those who abuse, often without scrutiny from anyone “outside” the couple, or the family unit.
- As much as the Bible doesn’t support divorce and broken homes (Mathew 5: 31-32), we may need to emphasize that home may not always be a safe place to live for adults and children living in situations of domestic and familial violence. As religious actors and networks of faith-based organizations, we are called to work together for gender equality and justice, amidst global economic changes, rising nationalism, harsh economic realities and conflicts. We are living in perilous times; a period of changing global, regional, and national environment (Mathew 24: 36-44, 2nd Timothy 3: 1-5, 2nd Peter 3: 3-4).
- The Christian Association of Nigeria is one of the very few organizations that has boldly and consistently declared a zero tolerance to Gender-Based-Violence through the platform of Male Champions for Gender Justice set up by the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) to accelerate actions against all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) disproportionately affecting women and children. The CAN National President, His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo A. Ayokunle, was one of the appointed Promoters of the initiative in consideration of his irrevocable stand against domestic violence. Two other members of CAN were equally appointed as part of the 10-Member Steering Committee for Africa. Based on this declaration, CAN had to set up a Help Desk where issues of domestic violence can be reported from our National to Zonal and Local Government Secretariats. CAN does not and will never support domestic Violence.
- Consequently, CAN established an Intervention/Advocacy Group known as MALE CHAMPIONS FOR GENDER JUSTICE whose membership is open to all those who profess the name of Christ. The group was formed in order to accelerate actions against all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) disproportionately affecting women and Children during and beyond COVID-19 pandemic (Genesis 2:24). It is expected that members carry advocacy campaign against sexual and domestic violence to schools, religious houses, social media, civil organizations e.t.c to preach against this inhuman treatment, and nip it in the bud because it is far easier to mold a child than to bend a man. CAN is committed to raising Godly men, husbands and leaders who will be good ambassadors of Christ in all facets of human endeavours (Ephesians 5:25-33). Board membership of the group are drawn from diverse fields of human professions such as Law, Health, Gender Based NGOs, Security, Guidance & Counselling, Academics and CAN Secretariat. We will continue to work within and between our faith communities to shape a world that is sustainable and where the human rights of all are respected. Our commitment to human rights is not an arbitrary cultural or ideological preference; it is rooted in deep religious and spiritual convictions. There can be no justice where God-given human rights are violated or where duty bearers fail to discharge their responsibilities.
- Once again, we humbly appeal to church leaderships, Government/Non-Government Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, Traditional Institutions as well as immediate families of victims of Domestic Abuses to join hands with us in getting rid of this menace that is gradually eating deep into our societal fabric. We equally request the larger society to jettison all forms of religious/cultural stigmatizations and provide wise counsels to save our women from the scourge of domestic violence. We cannot continue to lose our young and vibrant women to abusive partners in the name of marriage. We enjoin all women passing through the slightest of this sub-human treatment to please speak up and report issues of domestic violence to relevant authorities before it gets out of control. A stitch in time saves nine.
- May the soul of Mrs. Osinachi Nwachukwu rest in bosom of her creator and the Almighty God grant her beloved family, most especially the aged mother, the fortitude the bear her irreparable loss. We will ensure that there is no perversion of justice on this matter.
Signed On behalf of the CAN National President, His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo A. Ayokunle – Chief Promoter, Male Gender Champion for Nigeria.
Apostle ‘Biodun Sanyaolu – Assistant General Secretary, CAN & Male Gender Champion (AACC Nairobi)
Archbishop John Praise Daniel – Male Gender Champion (AACC Nairobi)
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