2023: CAN Speaks On Endorsing Lalong As Tinubu’s Campaign DG

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State Chapter has warned politicians against using Christianity and the platform to promote their political interest.

In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, the CAN chairman in the state, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo said that they never endorsed the appointment of Governor Simon Lalong as the Director General of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation.

Lubo also stated that the CAN was not part of those that received Lalong at the Yakubu Gowon Airport on arrival to the state after his appointment as the Director General of the campaign organisation.

He said: “The governor is a member of CAN but the fact that 70 per cent of those that received him at the airport were Christians does not mean that we receive him as a body, they can be classified as Christian politicians. As the State CAN chairman, I was not there, my other executive members were not there as well, and I don’t know those who received him at the airport.

”His appointment has nothing to do with Christianity, Lalong was appointed simply because he is a party man. He was not given that appointment because he is a Christian or Catholic. We don’t have anything to do with that appointment, What power do I have to appoint him as the DG of a political campaign council? I am apolitical, I belong to no political party, the position was given to him by his party not CAN.

“So they should not bring us into it as if we lobby for him to be given that appointment, so what business do we have with his appointment, we are not bothered about that. Does CAN belong to APC?

“Those engaging in name-dropping are looking for cheap popularity, they are looking for approval of the Christians, this name-dropping must stop. Yes, we pray for him like any other leader but we know nothing about his appointment and did not endorse the appointment.

“Members of CAN belong to different political parties, they should not drag the name of CAN into the mud. If you are a Christian, stick to your party and its manifestos, and stop using religion or the name of CAN for cheap political gain.”