News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State chapter, has warned politicians and the Benue public to do their thing and stop dragging the body into partisan politics.
The Deputy Chairman of CAN, Benu Rev. Jonathan Ugbede, who gave this caution on Tuesday said the association is apolitical and would not use the pulpit for the purpose of politics.
Ugbede, who spoke while receiving a Certificate of Commendation from the Middle Belt Media Practitioners in Nigeria in conjunction with the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations at the CAN Secretariat in Makurdi, stated that CAN is not a political platform and should not be used to advance partisan interests.
Ugbede said “Christian Association of Nigeria is not a political party. We are not partisan and we do not want to be dragged into politics.”
He noted that although individual Christians may belong to different political parties, the association itself must remain neutral.
“Every politician that is a Christian is a member of our church. You will find people from different parties among us, but that does not mean we should use the pulpit for politics.”
The deputy CAN chairman also dismissed claims that some pastors recently endorsed a politician for public office, describing such reports as misleading.
He said “Yesterday I was told that 150 pastors gathered to endorse someone. I said they are not pastors. None of the recognised church leaders in Benue released their pastors to attend such a political gathering.”
He further warned that no individual or group should claim to speak on behalf of CAN without proper authorization from the association saying “When CAN wants to make a statement, we do it collectively through our leadership.”
Ugbede also emphasized that the association’s role is primarily spiritual, particularly praying for leaders and engaging them constructively rather than attacking them publicly.
He said “The Bible instructs us to pray for the government in power. If we have any counsel for the governor, we will invite him and discuss with him.”
He dedicated the award to the Assistant Secretary of CAN in Benue State, “Apostle General” Mike Ihenacho, Ugbede appreciated him for his support and guidance.
“I depend on him so much. This award, I first dedicate to him for his tireless support.”
Ugbede, who is a pastor with the First Baptist Church, said he was surprised to receive the honour, noting that his involvement in interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding had been a personal commitment to service.
Earlier, leader of the group, Dr. Terwase Abigwa, who is the National Secretary, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, and member of the Middle Belt Media Practitioners said the recognition was in appreciation of Ugbede’s contributions to peace, justice and unity in Benue State.
Abigwa noted that the deputy CAN chairman had consistently lent his voice against insecurity in the state and promoted interfaith dialogue and harmony among religious groups.
Speaking also, the Methodist Bishop of Makurdi and Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Rt. Rev. Edoka Amuta, who presented the award on behalf of the group, said Ugbede had demonstrated strong leadership and the ability to unite the various blocs within CAN.
The Assistant CAN Secretary, Rev. Mike Nkiri, a pastor with the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), also commended Ugbede’s leadership, describing him as a man of few words whom God is using to achieve significant milestones in the association.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Dr Timothy Kume, described the recognition as well deserved saying
“If not because of him, the ship of CAN would have gone under.”
