Elizabeth Ameh , Maiduguri
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Borno State Chapter has debunked rumors that it has adopted the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),Mohammedi Ali Jajari for the forthcoming election.
CAN categorically states that it has not endorsed any candidate in her interactions with any candidates who sort audience with her or received any money from any politician as a form of voter inducement.
The CAN Chairman, Borno State Chapter, Most Reverend Dr. John Bogna Bakeni clarified this at a press briefing on Wednesday in Maiduguri.
Dr. Bakeni said there are Christians who belong to different political parties of their choice, adding that for CAN to line- up for a particular candidate would be divisive and against its mandate.
CAN urges all those maligning its name and peddling rumours to stop.
Most Reverend Dr. John Bogna Bakeni
“I therefore call on all those who are propagating and peddling this rumour to stop it, because it is a campaign of calumny and blackmail against CAN.
We live in peace here in Borno State with our Muslim Brothers and Sisters, even in the midst of our challenges, yes but even these challenges , I believe will be surmounted by the Grace of God.
We will not want any individual or group for mischievous and selfish reasons to muddled the name of CAN in politics so as to paint us black.
He said all CAN Borno has done from Presidential elections to date is to encourage Christians to participate in the political process by voting for the candidate of their choice.
Dr. Bakeni said “CAN commands respect and enjoys cordiality with the current government of Borno State and we would not want some unscrupulous people to destroy that for their selfish ends”.
He stressed that “CAN remains apolitical, non-partisan and law abiding. In addition, he encouraged all people of Borno State who are legible to vote to come out and perform their civic duty and responsibility of selecting their next set of leaders”.