By Femi Adekoya

The group, in a statement by its National President, Fregene Lawrence, at the end of its 22nd international convention in Lagos at the weekend, said that bribery and corruption has done more harm to the greatness of the country than HIV/AIDS.

The president of the union stressed that "our pride as a people has often been decimated by this cankerworm", adding "we, however, wish to salute the courage and efforts of all men and women of goodwill who have fought and are still fighting this pandemic".

He added that government must not relent in the crusade since there are people who want the status quo to continue because "of the transient material benefits accruing to them through corruption".

The Christian group also commended the Federal Government for taking the initiative to conduct a national census. It, however, decried moves by unpatriotic elements in the country who are bent on scuttling the exercise for sectional and religious reasons.

The group urged Nigerians not to put unnecessary pressure on the statutory body charged with organising the head-count, stressing "we need a credible census for proper planning and efficient administration of the country".

The group also frowned at what it called disunity in the church, saying "the church of Christ is the light and salt of every nation".

It, therefore, called for a rethink among Christians and leaders of the church to ensure that a better world is achieved through the propagation of Christ's gospel and His great work for humanity.

"We should focus on the things that bind us together and the vision of a transformed world by the gospel of Jesus. Our project and empires will pass away, only what is done for Christ will last. Let us walk in love as brethren", the statement added.

The theme of this year's convention "Dominion for Maximum Impact", attracted members from within and outside the country. The event was rounded off with a dinner.