Borno CAN denies endorsing PDP gov candidate
The Christians Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter, has debunked the reports that it has endorsed the governoship candidate of the People Democratic Party, Mohammed Ali Jajari, as its preferred candidate for Saturday’s March 18 elections.
The Chairman, Most Rev. Dr John Bogna Bakeni, dismissed the claims while speaking with journalists in Maiduguri.
The cleric stressed that the Christian body is apolitical and will remain so.
He stated further that the Borno State CAN does not back any political party or candidate and will not do so, adding, it remains a non-partisan body.
Bakeni said, “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, then called the attention of all the politicians and the government to be aware of some people impersonating as Pastors and Christian religious leaders or groups who go about under the guise and pretext of CAN, urging, 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 Borno State and not want some unscrupulous people to destroy that for their selfish ends,” he added.