Crisis rocks CAN as pastors move against Oritsejafor

Crisis is brewing in the leadership of Christian
Association of Nigeria, CAN, as members from the Niger
Delta, under the aegis of Global Peace Relief Initiative, led by
Prophet Jones Erue, yesterday, faulted 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 by Prophet Erue, 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.
They said that they might not be as rich as the CAN President
or own a private jet, but were men of integrity.
The statement said: "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" stated.