The crisis socking the ruling People’s Democratic Party has claimed its next victim in the form of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The religious body recently suspended some clerics for trying to mediate in the dispute between PDP members known as the G7 and a faction called the nPDP.
The clerics under the aegis of the Niger Delta Bishops and Christian Forum had met with the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako.
Whilst doling out the suspension to the members, CAN President, Ayo Oritsejafor said the group was apolitical.
However in its response, the leader of the suspended clerics, Prophet Jones Erue said the comment by Oritsejafor was laughable.
His statement read: “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.” They warned 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 over laboured 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” he stated.