The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has forgiven the Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, over the provocative and demeaning Easter greeting advertised by the Bank where the Bank compared the Resurrection of Jesus Christ to ‘Agege Bread.’
Thereafter, the bank has written an acceptable and genuine apology letter dated 20 April, 2022 to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) personally signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman. Equally, some well meaning and highly placed Nigerians have been appealing to CAN to forgive in the Christian spirit and in consonance with the message of Easter.
As a result of this development, CAN has resolved to forgive Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive. We always remember that ‘to err is human and to forgive is divine.’
In taking this step, we are following the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who asked God to forgive those who nailed Him to the cross unjustly and has taught us to forgive always.
We hereby call on all Christians in the country to join us in forgiving the Sterling Bank and its management.
Those who are considering stopping patronising the bank as a result of the blunder should stop the process but instead continue doing business with the bank.
We appeal to corporate institutions especially the banks to be more sensitive, considerate and professional in handling their public messages. Whatever that can cause religious crises in the country should be avoided at all costs, both by the government and the business sector.
We appreciate our youths who heeded our directive and refused to be dragged into the streets to protest against the bank as being touted in some quarters.
Finally, We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the well meaning Nigerians who intervened in the matter.
May the blessings of peace-makers be their portion in Jesus’ name.
▪︎ By Joseph Bade Daramola, General Secretary,
Christian Association of Nigeria