Jos and Lagos — CHRISTIAN leaders in Plateau State at the weekend demanded an unreserved apology from President Olusegun Obasanjo for his attack on the Church.

They said his utterances against chairmen of CAN were a great setback to the peace process in Plateau State.

Alliance for Democracy (AD) also demanded that the President apologises to CAN chairman in Plateau State, Rev. Yakubu Pam, who President Obasanjo openly called "an idiot" last Thursday during an informal reception in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.

But, Sen. Cosmas Niagwam, (Plateau South) said President Obasanjo may have over-reacted during the reception, adding, however, that "such was human."

In a 10-point communique issued after their meeting in Jos, leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) revisited the verbal attack on Rev. Pam by President Obasanjo saying it was "unbecoming of the President."

They lamented the president's position on Christians and said such did not augur well for desired peace in troubled Plateau State.

The Christian leaders also declared that henceforth they would not tolerate further quizzing of CAN officials in the state by security agents, warning that they would resist any such incident.

Rev. Pam was reportedly picked up, quizzed, then released by security operatives in the wake of President Obasanjo's visit to Plateau State.

CAN said its members would also resist "at all cost" the rumoured plan to impose a state of emergency in the state.

The Christian leaders alleged that there exist "terrorist cells" in the state, adding that these cells contain training camps" which are located in Yelwa-Shendam and Wase areas.

Besides, CAN said it would send some of its leaders to the body's national secretariat to lay their complaints and register utmost displeasure at the developments in the state.

The communique was signed by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) state chairman, Bishop Jonas Katung, Secretary of Baptist Conference, Rev. Nathan Nwachukwu, Methodist Bishop of Jos, Rev. J. Jaja and nine other leaders.

Also demanding an unreserved apology from President Obasanjo, AD, in a statement signed by its new director of publicity, research and statistics, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said the language and demeanour were not befitting of a president.

The party also advised the president to apologise to Plateau State community leaders who were at the receiving end of his angry outburst.

These, AD maintained, would assuage the feelings of those who were insulted and also convinced Nigerians that the President is capable of self-correction and humility.

Describing the President's language as "clearly abusive and unpresidential," the party said President Obasanjo should not be judged with the moral standards of an ordinary citizen just as it is imperative for him to control his temper.

"Every human being has certain weaknesses, but the attainment of certain positions in the society means that such weaknesses must be brought under control, especially in public," the statement said.

"The Presidency is the most important office in the land. It is the repository of our moral and ethical values. The holder of that office is expected to display at all times a high sense of comportment, dignity and decorum," the statement further stated.

Addressing newsmen in Jos, however, Sen. Niangwam, who represents the troubled part of Plateau State, asked Nigerians to co-operate with government to find an enduring solution to the crises in his senatorial district.

According to him, now was not the time for blames between Christians and Muslims, but peaceful resolution of the matter.