CAN In Crisis: We May Not Own Private Jets, But We Are Men Of Unquestionable Character; Pastors Tell Oritsejafor
Members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, from the Niger
Delta, under the aegis of Global Peace Relief Initiative, led by Prophet
Jones Erue, have slammed President of the association, Pastor Ayo
Oritsejafor, over what they described as the unacceptable comments made
against them, following their attempts to reconcile the G-7 governors
with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
In a statement, yesterday, by the group, the Niger Delta pastors
described Oritsejafor’s comment to the effect that CAN was apolitical,
as laughable, accusing the CAN President of getting involved in politics
of calumny and name dropping.
“We are disappointed that a leader could sit and watch his two
children fight while the rest of us suffer only to come and blackmail
those who take their time to seek solutions to the crisis,” the group
said, warning that no amount of blackmail or intimidation would deter
them from the noble mission of rescuing the country from imminent
collapse.
“It is surprising that Pst Ayo Oritsejafor, the CAN president will
handle issues of immense gravity and national importance hastily, with
levity and without discretion. The first and easiest thing to know about
a man is his name; it is a pity that the CAN president does not know
the name of the group of clerics he is addressing nor their affiliates.
“Expecting him to have minimal knowledge on what they stand for, will
be tantamount to exerting too much pressure on his aging gray matter.
We are begging his aides and personal assistants to do their job well
and stop exposing this great man of God to disrepute.
“These eminent clerics and their affiliate, Global Peace and Relief
Initiative have taken on a laudable project of consulting across all
interest group and stakeholders concerning the Nigerian project. Nigeria
is the only country we can call our own and as fathers we cannot fold
our hands and watch intolerance and impunity destroy our nation.
“To place the records straight, we have not made promises to any
persons and we have not used the name of CAN, we have an affiliate whose
mission and vision best defines our activity. We are noble men and do
not rail accusation on authorities.
“It is a pity that the handlers of the CAN president have allowed
miscreants, to drag him into a show of shame, misinformed the press and
overlaboured the corporate affairs commission with a futile search.
“If we may ask, whose registration were they authenticating? A group
they barely know its name? This is a faith based Non Governmental
Organisation, NGO, with memberships spread across the nation. Our main
business is advocacy, conflict prevention/ resolution and facilitation
of peace projects whether individual, group, organisation or government.
We create a good soil for developmental projects and people oriented
policies to thrive
“For the CAN president to say CAN is apolitical is laughable, as the
same president is involved in politics of calumny and name dropping.
“The CAN’s statement as reported by the media does not represent the
facts on ground but a mere imagination. Calling names at this critical
period of the nation’s political development does not represent the
responsibility expected of a great leader of Pastor Ayo Oritsejeafor’s
capacity.
“We want to place it on record that the Bishops and Clerics in this
body may not own private jets but are men of unquestionable character,
dependable leaders, and stewards of peace and holders of reputable
degrees. The leader of this group Prophet Jones Ode Erue is a highly
respected both in political and religious circles. Many people have
benefited from the peace initiatives by this great icon since 2002 till
date.
“When men lack purpose and relevance, rather than encourage others
with vision and purpose they become detractors of good and well meaning
Nigerians. “ We are disappointed that a leader could sit and fold his
hands and watch his two children fight while the rest of us suffer only
to come and blackmail those who take their time to seek solutions to the
crisis.
“The forum wishes to state emphatically that no amount of cheap
blackmail or intimidation can deter it from this noble mission to rescue
the country from the imminent collapse which can be averted. “We are
duty bound to restore peace and unity to our dear country, Nigeria.
“We will continue with the ongoing consultation with all stake
holders in the task of putting Nigeria back to the road, to national
unity and development,” the statement read.
