{
  "id": 11622293,
  "title": "CAN will criticise government when necessary, says president",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/can-will-criticise-government-when-necessary-says-president",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T06:48:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/can-will-criticise-government-when-necessary-says-president/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has stated that the organization will not hesitate to criticize the Federal Government when it fails to protect citizens or violates their rights. Speaking at a press conference to mark the association’s 50th anniversary in Abuja, Okoh emphasized that CAN remains independent, responsible, and committed to speaking against injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine Nigerians' welfare. He clarified that CAN is neither a political opposition party nor an organization that praises the government, but rather a Christian institution with national responsibility. The CAN president stated that where government policies promote the welfare of Nigerians, they will support them, and where government requires partnership, CAN is available to cooperate. However, he warned that the association will not remain silent when citizens suffer or their constitutional rights are threatened. Okoh urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and ensure a security system capable of preventing attacks rather than merely responding after lives have been lost.",
  "summary": "The Christian Association of Nigeria will criticise the government when it fails to protect citizens or violates their rights, its President, Daniel Okoh, Read More: https://punchng.com/can-will-criticise-government-when-necessary-says-president/",
  "key_points": [
    "CAN will criticize government when necessary",
    "Archbishop Daniel Okoh emphasized CAN's independence",
    "CAN supports government policies benefiting Nigerians"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Christian Association of Nigeria's pledge to speak out against government failures marks a clear expectation of greater accountability from the organisation towards the Federal Government.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "CAN will criticise government when necessary, says president",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/can-will-criticise-government-when-necessary-says-president-11622643",
        "published": "2026-10-03T06:50:46.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}