The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in the 19 Northern states and Abuja, have disowned a band of pastors, who visited President Muhammadu Buhari, saying they lack the mandate to speak on behalf of them.
“These folks are unknown to us, said Reverend John Hayap, CAN’s Publicity Secretary, while speaking to Per Second News Thursday night.
He disclosed that the Arewa Pastors Non-denominational Initiative for Peace in Nigeria, which the visiting pastors claimed to belong, was not known to the Christian Association of Nigeria in the north and cannot be said to be representing Christians in the north.
“We have searched through all our chapters in the 19 Northern states and Abuja and we found out that the leader of the delegation and most of them resides in Port-Hacourt, Rivers State.
He alleged that the leader of the group is from Benue, according to findings with most of them from the South-South states.
Rev Hayap, said though the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association are among the most important human rights we possess, these rights protect peoples’ ability to come together and work for the common good.
Reverend Hayap wondered why the Christian leaders did not seize the opportunity of being with the president to draw attention to Leah Sharibu’s plight.
“The Northern Christian leaders are all busy praying for the safe return of Leah Sharibu, and would not engage in politics. “ We love the president and we pray for him daily.”
