The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) has demanded the sacking of the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, over a controversial Easter advert.
The bank faced backlash after the company published its Easter message, which compared the resurrection of Jesus to Agege bread.
In an issued statement yesterday, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Daramola, CAN stated that the advert was “wicked and insensitive” towards Christians.
CAN advised Christians to be wary of the banks they patronise, insisting that Suleiman and the management of the bank showed ‘hostility and hatred’ for the Christian faith.
“The purported apology did not come from a penitent heart. 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 advise Christians to be wary of the banks and other financial institutions they are patronising.
“We learnt that the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria has reportedly intervened in the matter with a view to imposing some sanctions against Sterling Bank. The Christian Association of Nigeria 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, Abubakar Suleiman, along with his management, whose actions have clearly shown their hostility and hatred for the Christian faith”, the statement further read.
