CAN Endorses Abasi People Movement, Backs Drive for Unity Among Ethnic Groups

UYO
More groups and individuals continue to identify with the ideals of the Abasi People Movement, with the latest endorsement coming from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State chapter.

The state chapter of CAN, through its chairman, Bishop Chris Nyong, declared its support on Wednesday when the leadership of the Abasi People Movement, led by its international president, Engr. Victor Udoh paid a courtesy visit to the association’s state office in Uyo.

Receiving the delegation, Bishop Nyong expressed satisfaction with the vision of the Abasi People Foundation, the platform driving the movement. He noted that the initiative cuts across all ethnic groups in the Abasi Nation, which comprises the 38 local government areas of the former Calabar Province in the old Eastern Region of Nigeria.

Bishop Nyong stated that every vision begins with a progenitor, adding that no two individuals can share the same vision in equal measure. “The one with the vision is the one endowed with the capacity and grace to interpret and implement it,” he said.

“Everything that has to do with God centres on vision. That’s why the Bible says, ‘Write it down and make it plain,’” he added.

Citing available statistics, he observed that Akwa Ibom and Cross River States are 99.9 per cent Christian, hence the church is the most strategic platform to propagate the message of unity within the Abasi Nation. He asserted that what is endorsed by the church on earth is spiritually validated.

The CAN chairman further stressed the importance of asserting the identity of the Abasi Nation, especially at a time when other ethnic groups, such as the Ijaws, are not only asserting their presence but also laying claim to being the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria.

He pointed out that despite dialectical differences, no tribe in Akwa Ibom or Southern Cross River States calls God by any other name than “Abasi.”

He likened the Abasi people to biblical Israel, often surrounded by obstacles but always overcoming challenges.

On behalf of CAN, Bishop Nyong officially endorsed the Abasi People Movement.

Earlier, the international president of the movement, Engr. Victor Udoh told the CAN leadership that the movement was founded out of a sincere and committed desire to unite and empower the Abasi people—Ibibio, Annang, Oro, Ekoi, Efik, Ekid, and Obolo—as the fourth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria.

He drew parallels with Yoruba’s Afenifere, Igbo’s Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Arewa Consultative Forum, and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), all of which serve as platforms for the political and economic emancipation of their respective ethnic groups. He lamented that the people of the old Calabar Province have lacked a common rallying point or unifying force to advocate for their well-being.

“Our mission is clear,” Udoh said. “Our movement is aimed at uniting Ndito Abasi for collective and individual emancipation from internal and external marginalisation and exploitation, towards equitable and sustainable development.

“This requires enlightenment and awareness of our shared identity as a people who call God ‘Abasi’.”

He appealed to the apex Christian body to help propagate the message of the Abasi Nation, stressing that the movement seeks to unify the Abasi people, prepare them for service, preserve their culture, protect their resources, promote their brand, and project their identity.


–