By Stephen Adeleye.
The Kogi chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says it has not issued any mass prayer against any political party or their candidate towards the Nov. 16 governorship election in the state.
A statement by CAN chairman, Dr John Ibenu, on Monday in Lokoja, said that the information was completely false and ungodly, saying it was a fake information.
There have been a statement in circulation on social media alleging that the leadership of CAN had directed all Churches in Kogi to dedicate Monday Mass/Worship/Service against the purported endorsement of Gov. Yahaya Bello re-election Project, by President Muhammadu Buhari.
”My attention has been drawn to the false statement allegedly from CAN that is being circulated on social media. That information is completely false and ungodly; it is a fake information.
”Our position as CAN is in the Bible in 1 Timothy 2:1, where God admonishes us as Christian to pray for people in authority, government and in leadership position.
”Our prayer is with the government and the good people of Kogi State, and we have not issued any statement against the state Governor,” Ibenu said.
He added that CAN had directed immediate high level of investigation to get to the root of this particular sinful and ungodly act, saying they would get to the source whereever the false statement emanated from.
“CAN is a spiritual and Christian organisation, and not a political organisation. All our members belong to as many political parties of their choice and they are free to do so.
“So, that statement is false and ungodly and was not issued by CAN. We shall get to the root and the source of this false and ungodly statement.
“God bless CAN, God bless Kogi State Government and God bless the people of Kogi State, God bless Nigeria,” he prayed.
Also, Rev. Samuel Owolabi, the CAN Director of National Issues in Kogi, also told journalists that CAN had never issue any prayer against any political party or their candidate.
”I want to state here categorically that CAN has never issue any prayer against any political party or even against the Kogi Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello.
”We are the father of all, and our main concern is for good governance. We are praying for peaceful electioneering for our state.
”We are praying for peaceful election in the state, that God will chose a man for us who has the fear of God, and who also think about the entire masses of the state; that is what CAN stand for.
”Our members are free to join any political party of their choice; so, we are not against any political party or any candidate,” Owolabi said.
