Omo Eghurhie, Bauchi
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi State chapter, has described the purported endorsement of Governor Mohammed Abubakar by the body as ‘mere propaganda’.
The state chairman of the Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN), Mr. Mako Gwamis, during a press conference, on Wednesday, said the group observed with dismay the report in some media (not The Nigerian Xpress) that CAN during its Christmas visit to the governor, on December 26, allegedly endorsed him for a second term.
Gwamis said: “The statement was not true but a mere propaganda. After all, what has the present administration done to Christians in Bauchi State in the past three and a half year?
“You will agree with me that since the inception of this administration Christian in Bauchi State were neglected and not carried along in the scheme of things in the government of His Excellency Mohammed A. Abubakar despite the fact that there are reasonable percentage of Christians who are competent to occupy some of the positions were not appropriate unlike the two previous administrations.
“Hardly would you find a local government area in Bauchi State that there is no quite a sizeable number of Christian.
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“You will agree with me that it is not rosy for Christians under this present administration”
“For this reason we distance ourselves from the said adoption which we find scandalous, unwanted and laughable.
“This is because spiritual leaders are expected to sit on the fence and not to descend into the area and become the actors themselves.”
The Youth CAN chairman said that the Christian body was not unmindful of the fact that every Christian in the state has a right to air his or her views and positions which we respect adding that , “ but collective views and interests supersedes individual interest and view”
Gwamis added that when the time for Christians in Bauchi State to adopt a candidate comes, they would not hesitate to make it known “after wide consultations, robust engagement with the spiritual heads from all denominations. Even after that, there will be strict compliance with the already laid down procedure acceptable.”
The CAN Youth Wing Chairman said the condition upon which to adopt a candidate of their choice would be based on the inclusiveness of Christians in the affairs of things in the administration and governance of the state.
He said other criteria would include fairness, justice and equity on employment and appointment into political offices.
Gwamis also called on all Christians in the state to be law-abiding citizens wherever they are and urged them to come out enmasse to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming general election, adding, “ as your leaders we will keep on consulting and maintaining political guidance and direction acceptable to all.”
