Written by Christiana T. Alabi, Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dissociated itself from the Northern CAN, saying the body is illegal and against the laid down constitution of the association.

According to a statement signed by the CAN chairman in the state, Reverend Kraakevik Kujiyat, the vice chairman, Bishop George Dodo, the secretary, Canon Joshua and the treasurer, Elder Patrick Lawson, the constitution of CAN recognizes only six zonal components namely, South-South, South-West, North-Central , North-West and North- East.

The group also accused the Secretary General of the Northern CAN, Elder Saidu Dogo, of attempting to sow a seed of discord among Christians in the North.

‘‘The Northern CAN does not represent Kaduna State CAN. There is no constitutional provision for its existence. The spokesman of this unconstitutional body called Northern States CAN, is being sponsored to blackmail some Christian leaders. It is obvious that these apostles of confrontation are not fighting the cause of Jesus Christ,” the group said.

The statement added that the commendation of the leadership of the state’s youth CAN on the peace Initiative by the spokesperson for Northern State CAN is hypocritical.

Kaduna CAN therefore appealed to the entire Christian community in the state and in Nigeria to pursue reconciliation, restoration of peace and peaceful co-existence by forgiving all perceived injustices carried out against one another.

When contacted, the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Elder Saidu Dogo, said the association has been in existence since 1964 during the time of the late Sardauna, and that the Nigerian constitution does not prevent Northern Christians from associating.

“The Nigerian constitution gives everyone the right to associate, and it is on that basis that we came together. The group started here in Kaduna before CAN even came into existence. I am surprised by the ignorance of those making that statement. Can you say the Northern Governors’ Forum is unconstitutional, so just as the northern governors came together as an association, that’s how we also came together. Therefore, it is wrong for anyone to say an association that has been existing as far back as 1964 is illegal,” Dogo said.SOURCE:www.dailytrust.com