Say no to abortion—cleric charges women

Addressing the women wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOW/CAN) during their 17th annual national convention in Bauchi, Bauchi State, recently, Msgr Adigwe strongly condemned the section of the Maputo Protocol that seeks legal backing for abortion. He said, “the beautiful document, popularly called the Maputo Protocol, is very much in discussion now. This […]

Addressing the women wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOW/CAN) during their 17th annual national convention in Bauchi, Bauchi State, recently, Msgr Adigwe strongly condemned the section of the Maputo Protocol that seeks legal backing for abortion.

He said, “the beautiful document, popularly called the Maputo Protocol, is very much in discussion now. This document is a laudable document that goes a long way to seek ways to enhance the dignity of women. It should be supported.

“But unfortunately, it has included in the section on women’s reproductive rights, an outrageous approval of abortion. The document demands total legalization of abortion. This section must be rejected as offensive to all the religions in Nigeria, be it Christian, Muslim or African traditional religion.

“It is very urgent that you take action and urge the National Assembly to clearly reject this odious provision in this document. It will be a shame to all of us if we allow this document in this form to be ratified by the National Assembly. This is a challenge to our faith and calls for immediate and appropriate action.”

Speaking on the theme of the gathering, “Women a Shield of Faith at Home, the Church and the Society,” the cleric maintained that faith is a supernatural gift from God.

“No one acquires faith on his own. When God gives us faith, our response is immediately to give thanks to God for this great gift. But the faith for which we give thanks requires us that we put it into practice. It is not a private property for our own personal decoration. It calls for action.”

He said the role of women in the church is unique: “As the women quickly went to tell the apostles that Christ has risen from the dead, so you are called to announce that Christ is Lord, that he is risen, that he is alive. You are called to announce it in your home, in the church and in the society. You are called to announce it in various ways – by your words, your actions and yours works.”

On politics, Msgr Adigwe was quite philosophical: “There is no election that can be free, fair and transparent if we do not make it so. Women can contribute not only in coming out to see that the women are adequately represented at all levels of our political lives but also in ensuring that such representation would be a proclamation and a witness to our faith. Providentially, some political parties have announced that women candidates may pick the nomination papers without paying fees. Will you also insist that women will neither give bribe in order to be voted for, nor accept bribe in order to vote for a candidate.”

He reminded the women of CAN’s motto that says, That All may be One stressing that this is not just a unity in social action, political pursuit, economic and developmental activities but primarily a unity of faith.

He said this faith should be faith in Jesus Christ and all that he teaches.

Earlier in her speech, the national president of WOWICAN, Lady Barr Regina Okafor, decried the high level of criminality in Nigeria, noting that the devil’s agents: armed robbers, kidnappers, dupes, rapists, assassins, fraudsters, , tyrants, election riggers, swindlers, idlers, drug pushers, cultists, ritualists, murderers are making life insecure and uncomfortable for God’s children.

Chairperson of WOWICAN in Bauchi, Mrs Saratu Hanakuka urged the women to fully participate in politics as good ambassadors of Christ. She described Christian WOWICAN as a catalyst for true change for the good of society.

After talks and deliberations, the conference resolved among others that all Christian leaders in WOWICAN as well as in other organisations, societies and in their families in all activities depict Christ-like leadership in their words and actions in order to bring justice and love of Christ to society.

The convention maintained that women at all levels of leadership work towards the transformation of women, the youths and the society.