By: Atiku Galadima – Maiduguri.
The Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, has dismissed the claim that it has endorsed Mohammed Ali Jajari, gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its preferred candidate for Saturday’s elections.
The Chairman, Most Rev. Dr John Bogna Bakeni, while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri, explained that CAN is apolitical and will remain so.
He noted that the Borno State CAN does not endorse any political party or candidate and will not do so, it remains a non-partisan body.
According to him, “I choose to address you this morning in order to defuse and to clarify the rumour going round that Bomo State CAN has endorsed the political candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Borno State.
“We wish to state categorically that the claims are false, baseless, mischievous, unfounded and a handwork of some desperate elements to ruin the name and integrity of CAN.
“Let me say categorically that CAN has not received any money from any politician as a form of voter inducement”.
“All CAN in Borno State has done from the Presidential elections to date is to encourage Christians to participate in the political process and to candidates of their choice”.
“It interest you to know that there are Christians who belong to different Political parties and ideologies, so for CAN to line up behind a particular candidate is to be divisive and that is not our mandate”.
“CAN is a non-partisan organisation that is committed to promoting and protecting the interests of Christians and ensuring that their voices are heard on issues that affect them.
“We will not want any individual for mischievous and selfish reasons to muddle the name of CAN in Politics.
He, therefore, called on all politicians and the government to be aware of some fraudulent masquerading as Pastors and Christian religious leaders or groups who go about under the guise and pretext of CAN. Please make sure you verify and deal with the body of the mother CAN.
“In CAN we have only the Youth Wing and Women wing, any Christians group or associations are acting on their own and not under the aegis of CAN”.
“Let me command respect and enjoys cordiality with the current government of Bomo State and not want some unscrupulous people to destroy that for their selfish ends,” he added.
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