Adamawa CAN Crisis: Exco Blasts National Secretary

By Garba Mohammad
The Leadership of the Adamawa State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has forwarded a petition to the National Chairman of the association Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor accusing the National General Secretary, Dr. Musa Asake of unilaterally dissolving the duly elected state Exco.
It also accused the General Secretary of declaring war on Christians and Christianity in Adamawa State saying that as the legitimate leadership in the state, it would not fold its arms and allow Dr. Asake destroy the unity that has been existing in the Christendom for time immemorial.
In an open letter written to the National Chairman of the association Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor titled :“Battle for the soul of CAN Adamawa State” jointly signed by the State CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Moses Taparki and 10 officials of the association, the General Secretary was accused of unilaterally dissolving the CAN state Exco unconstitutionally.
The statement added that “The pronouncements by Dr. Musa Asake have not only generated and accelerated confusion and chaos in both the main CAN and WOMICAN in the state but elicited amazement and wonder from many concerned observers and analysts as well as the victims of circumstances”
The state exco which passed a vote of no confidence on the General Secretary noted that judging by the General Secretary’s words and actions, he lacked the vision to provide the progressive leadership needed at the dark and narrow times in the history of Nigeria.
The dissolution of the state Exco by the General Secretary was sequel to his visit to Adamawa State to resolve some issues bedeviling the Women Wing of the association (WOMICAN) but later dissolved the Main Wing of the association accusing it of unconstitutional involvement in the tussle rocking the Women Wing of the chapter.
The statement further argued that by virtue of the Supreme Constitution of CAN article 13 (A) subsection 3 the General Secretary has no powers to dissolve the legitimate Exco in any state.
“The Supreme Constitution of CAN article 13 (A) section 3 distinctly spells out 11 duties and functions of the General Secretary, none of which includes the authority to dissolve the elected state Exco ,” the statement noted.
It further averred that the Christian Community in Adamawa has lost all faith in Dr. Asake, vowing to continue to keep faith in the oath of office and never be intimidated by him.