CAN Demands Sterling Bank CEO’s Sacking Over Controversial Easter Advert

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), has called for the removal of Sterling Bank CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, over a controversial Easter Advert considered a blasphemy.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, signed by its national publicity secretary, Joseph Bade Daramola, the association called for Suleiman’s sack for ‘hostility and hatred’ against the Christian faith.

The statement reads in part: “The attention of the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been drawn to an ungodly, wicked, insensitive and deliberately provocative advertisement of the Sterling Bank comparing the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ to ‘Agege Bread’ amidst the Easter celebration.”

The Christian body said in case the management of the Sterling Bank was not aware, the resurrection of Jesus witnesses the immense power of God Himself.

It said to believe in the resurrection is to believe in God, adding that if God exists, and if He created the universe and has power over it, then He has the power to raise the dead.

The association said If He does not have such power, He is not worthy of faith and worship.

CAN continued, “Only He who created life can resurrect it after death, only He can reverse the mystery that is death itself, and only He can remove the sting and gain the victory over the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54–55). In resurrecting Jesus from the grave, God reminds us of His absolute sovereignty over life and death.”

The association also noted that the purported apology did not come from a penitent heart.

It wondered how can someone in his right mind describe the risen Christ as a loaf of bread.

“That is insulting, ridiculous and a mockery of Jesus Christ. We advised Christians to be wary of the banks and other financial institutions they are patronising.

“We learnt that the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) has reportedly intervened in the matter with a view to impose some sanctions against Sterling Bank. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is waiting for the decision of the organisation.

“However, in the interim, we call for the immediate removal of the Chief Executive of Sterling Bank; Mr. Abubakar Suleiman with his Management whose actions have clearly shown their hostility and hatred for the Christian faith,” the statement added.