Controversies Rock CAN Election in Taraba State. Caretaker Committee inaugurated
Controversies Rock CAN Election in Taraba State. Caretaker Committee inaugurated
It was gathered that Pastor Samuel Omajali who is the State oversear of the Depear Life Bible Church was set to emerge the chairman of the CAN branch in Taraba State.
In a letter dated 7th November and a dress to the outgoing Chairman the Catholic bloc with the heading “Boycotting of CAN Election 2024 by the Catholic. Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Taraba State Chapter”
Letter read in. Part
“I write on the above subject matter.
After prayerful deliberations and careful consultations, the hierarchy of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN Bloc) in Taraba State which comprises of the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo and that of Wukari Dioceses has directed that her members do not participate in the ongoing process of bringing in a new administration of CAN in Taraba State.
Our reasons amongst others are namely:
1. The supremacy of the CAN Constitution as enshrined in Article 4 paragraph one of the CAN Constitution has not been respected;
2. Historical antecedent which shows that the CSN has never ever assumed the office of CAN Chairman since the creation of our dear State has not been upheld.
Due to the above reasons and the fact that justice, equity and fairness has not been meted us, we are hereby boycotting the parent body CAN Election. All our major and minor contestants are hereby directed to stand down. More so, all CSN delegates are directed to vacate the premises of the electoral processprocess”
In a similar development the Global Methodic Church has petition challenging the inclusion of Rev Philip Dopher as a representative
In a petition submitted by Rev. Yayuba Yoila, Conference Superintendent of SNAC, to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, and the Christian community, has sparked tension within the organization. The petition questions Rev. Philip Micah Dopah’s representation of the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (formerly UMCN) within CAN.
According to Rev. Yoila, Dopah and his faction separated from the church’s leadership in 2012 and registered under a different name with the Corporate Affairs Commission. This, Yoila argues, disqualifies them from being recognized as part of the TEKAN/ECWA Bloc in Taraba State, The petitioners request that Dopah be excluded from representing the church, citing concerns about his legitimacy.
Furthermore, the petition raises concerns about the timing of CAN’s executive elections in Taraba State. Yoila alleges that the elections are an attempt to destabilize the already tense situation and violate CAN’s constitution by not rotating the Chairmanship position among blocs ¹. This, he claims, is a constitutional provision of CAN.
Key Concerns Raised by the Petition:
– Legitimacy of Representation: Dopah’s separation from the church’s leadership and registration under a different name
– Constitutional Violation: Alleged attempt to destabilize the situation and violate CAN’s constitution
– Rotation of state President Position: Concerns about not adhering to the constitutional provision of rotating the president position among blocs
The petition has sparked debate within the Christian community, with many calling for transparency and accountability within CAN. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how CAN will address these concerns and ensure the integrity of its leadership.
