By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Chairmen and Secretaries of 19 Northern States’ Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) met in Kaduna, Monday, March 17, and deliberated on the body’s vexed leadership tussle, endorsing one of the candidates as Chairman in the process.
The enlarged meeting of the new leadership of northern CAN, headed by Rev. Joseph John Hayab, held at Albarka Fellowship Baptist Church, Kaduna, from 5:30pm to 9pm, and was attended by all the new executives, directors and some clerics.
The meeting further finalized on the endorsement and authenticity of the election of Hayab as Chairman, and promised to focus more on ways forward for development rather than election.
Addressing attendees, Rev. Hayab said the Rev. Yakubu Pam-led immediate past executive had dragged them to court in an attempt to stop the meeting on the ground that “we’re not legal.”
He added: “Brothers and sisters, we shouldn’t tell you stories that are not true in event like this. The former leadership actually took us to court not to hold this meeting today. They filed in a 47-page affidavit to convince court that we’re not legal.
“Our Legal Adviser worked tirelessly and made sure the court didn’t see anything to talk about, and court give us a date until we’re done with our meeting. That’s how desperate some people can be; so desperate.
“I couldn’t even believe it. If you read their affidavit, you’ll wonder how can someone (Christian) lie against the church? What does he stand to gain? I chose to say this in your presence before they’ll tell you another lies.
“We deliberately control this information until you come here today, because if we had told you at home, everybody will be angry. We got wind of it; they tried to get judgement on Friday, but it couldn’t work. And it was in the night of Friday we got wind of it. Even the court won’t believe how we got to know.
“Time has come, the friends of the former leadership should stand before them and tell them the truth. They use a language that we are ambushing you people, all state CAN Chairmen? That means we ambush Bishop from Plateau, Yobe, and Kwara of 17 years experience!”
Rev. Hayab further stated: “How can somebody be insulting church leaders? I think the essence of this meeting is to confirm where the church in northern Nigeria is standing. Without sentiment, the church stands with this leadership. Am I right or wrong?”
His question was followed by affirmation voices from members.
Hayab continued: “We’ve representatives from 20 states. On the day of election we had only 16. North Central, North East zones’ Chairmen and Secretary, North West, were present.
“I agree and take your advice: we’ll never respond to them again. Our work will speak for us. Youth leaders of northern CAN area are here.
“They’re (Pam group) going about telling people that they’re going to call for new election. They’ve no legal right to call for any new election after exceeding their tenure for over two and sone months in office.
“Categorically, I want to say that any other body that issues any press statement as from today, aside this northern CAN body, is illegal. And I’ll not fold my hand for anyone insulting you Chairmen or Secretaries again, in as much as we want peace.
“I’ll use some righteous anger to tell them enough is enough. From the first day of election, I pledged that, honestly, I’m going to give you my very best. On that position I stand. I didn’t ask you for this, you asked me; and I’m not going to disappoint you.
“But not that before 25th Feb. 2030, I’ll call for election. But I think we’ve made statement today in Kaduna that now we’ve Chairmen and Secretaries, and leadership of 19 northern States’ CAN and I’m leading the team and there’s no going back.”
In an interview, the Northern CAN youth leader, Evangelist Musa Misal, said: “Up till now, youths stand with the new leadership. The 19 northern States’ youth CAN are behind the new leadership. We rally support for Hayab, that we’re now having leader that can speak for Christians in the north of Nigeria.
“Very soon, we are calling to give our rallying support for the new leadership. My advice for Pam is to know that leadership is from God. Whoever God gives, let him support. If there’s anything to hand over, let him do so to the new leadership, because you can’t tear the body of Christ.
“He’s wasting his time going to court and say his tenure has not elapsed. I call on him to come out and accept.”
Prominent members of Northern CAN present at the dinner event included North Central and North-East Chairmen of CAN, and North-West Secretary respectively.
There were also current General Secretary as well as Chairman of Chairmen and Secretary of Secretaries from Borno State, Bishop Mohammed Narga; as well as Apostle Tajudeen (CAN Chairman, Zamfara State),who is also Assistant Secretary, Northern CAN, and Rev. Fr. Polycap Lugbo, Treasurer Northern CAN and Chairman, Plateau State CAN.
There were many others in attendance too.
