His Eminence, John Cardinal Olurunfemi Onaiyekan says his elevation as cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in a consistory is an act of God.

Receiving former EXCOs of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja yesterday, Onaiyekan said, "God has chosen that we should serve Him on a higher level."

He added: "we are together and we will be if God permits. Together, we will make this country a better place. It was a wonderful experience to work for God with you. For the moment, I am still the Arch Bishop of Abuja and I think I will remain the Arch Bishop.

We are together, I covet your prayers and I assure you that we will get there. I must thank you for being a part of my success story, you made my work easier when I served the Lord as CAN President."

Speaking on behalf of the group, former CAN secretary, Engr. Samuel Salihu said: "we are grateful to God for the privilege to work for Him as your subordinates. We are here today because you have been a true leader, a leader whose interest is the work of God. I must say that you understood the dynamics of this country and you led the Christian-fold knowing that we have non-Christians as citizens of this great nation."