From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Chairmen and Secretaries of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 Northern states and FCT, have thrown their support behind Rev. John Joseph Hayab led leadership of Northern CAN.
Similarly, the Youth Wing (YOWICAN) and Women Wing (WOWICAN) in all the 19 Northern state chapters and FCT also joined the support for the new leadership of Northern CAN.
They made the pledge in Abuja, at weekend, after a meeting with the new executive members of the Northern CAN who were recently elected at a convention in Abuja.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Chairmen led by Apostle Shina Ibiyemi, representing the Kwara state CAN chairman, dispelled the misinformation that the new leadership of Northern CAN doesn’t enjoy the support of the states CAN Chairmen, stressing that election was conducted on 25th February, 2025, that led to the emergence of the new leadership.
He said: “On the 25th February 2025, we met in Abuja and elected new leaders for our esteemed association, an election that ushered in Rev. Joseph John Hayab as the Chairman; Rev. Dr Jonah Samson as Vice Chairman; Bishop Mohammed Naga as Secretary General; Special Apostle Tajudeen Azeeze Afolabi as Assistant Secretary; and Rev Father Dr Polycarp Lubo as Treasurer.
“Others are Dr. Simon A.S Dolly, as Director of National Issues; Barr. Grace Emmanuel Kaka, PhD, as Director of Legal and Public Affairs; Rev Godwin Adole, as Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith; Rev Emeka Obianyor as Director of Planning, Research and Strategy; and Rev Fr Prof. Ngbea Gabriel, as Director of Youth, Women and Education.
“Sadly, when most of us were away in Israel on pilgrimage, the former 19 Northern States CAN and FCT leaders addressed the media, claiming to still be in charge which we considered laughable. Nigerians have come of age to be able to say no when things are wrong, as there are godly Nigerians who will not support unfairness.
“Accordingly, the actions of the former leaders of CAN, 19 Northern States and the FCT are scandalous. How can an executive that has illegitimately extended its tenure clinging to office unconstitutionally despite being asked to step down by those who elected them, issue threats?”
He advised the former leadership of northern CAN led by Rev. Yakubu Pam, to take the path of honour and apologise to all Northern Christians for their shameful tenure elongation, as they remained in office for nearly three years after the end of their tenure in May 2022. They should, without delay, hand over all 19 States and FCT Northern CAN properties to the newly elected leaders.
“Consequently, we, the state Chairmen and Secretaries, with our Youth and Women Wings pledge our loyalty and total support to the leadership of Rev. Hayab and his team to give us direction that will unite Christians in Northern Nigeria, and defend the rights of our people.”
In his remarks, Rev. Hayab, appealed to Chirstian communities in northern Nigeria to be calm, peaceful and law abiding, assuring them that stronger peace and unity, as well as security will return to the CAN families in northern Nigeria.
He also asked the former leadership of the Northern CAN to support the new executive of the Association for the benefit of all Christian communities in northern Nigeria.
Mrs. Elizabeth Azizi, representing the Northern WOWICAN assured the new leadership of northern CAN of the full support and co-operation of the women wing of the association considering the significant roles they play in building and shaping the society.
Similarly, Misal Musa, leader of the Northern YOWICAN, asked the new leadership to disregard the activities of some individuals who want to cause confusion and division in the association, thus making it look as if there’s division in the Body of Christ.
He pledged the loyalty and support of YOWICAN chapters in the states to the leadership of Rev. Hayab and other members of the executive.