By David Oluwaseun
The Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) has denied allegation that the association received a cash gift of two billion naira from , the Labour party presidential candidate, Peter Obi for onward distribution to the churches, describing petition to the effect over it’s alleged misappropriation, written by one Pastor Frank Onwumere as malicious and untrue.
In a Press statement signed by the Natiomal President of Christian Association(CAN), Archbishop Daniel C.Okoh yesterday and made available to newsmen,CAN described the allegation as very malicious and vowed to investigate the root of the allegation.
CAN’s Press statement read in parts.’The attention of the national leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been drawn to a purported letter currently in circulation on social media, alleging that a certain sum of N2bn was given by the presidential candidate of Labour party, Mr Peter Obi to Churches under the umbrella of CAN’.
‘I use this medium to categorically state that the so-called letter of petition reportedly signed by one Pastor Frank Onwumere and addressed to my office is illogical and can best be described as a failed attempt to drag the apex Christian body into the politics of 2023. However, we will investigate the source of the letter in the interest of the public’.
‘To set the records straight, I am not aware of any N2bn given to Churches in Nigeria to mobilise votes for any 2023 presidential candidate and never received the said petition dated December 22, 2022.
‘ Nigerians should note that CAN, as a faith-based entity, maintains its non-partisan stance and will not endorse or mobilise support for any candidate in the upcoming elections as against the social media post being circulated by some elements bent on soiling its name and image’.
‘CAN, therefore, urges members of the public to disregard the purported letter of petition as its content are not only untrue, but malicious’.
‘We warn those peddling the falsehood to desist from such acts because they are capable of defaming innocent people and revered religious institutions as well as breaching public peace’.
A search by our Correspondent revealed a former Chairman of Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State also bears Frank Onwumere, same with the Petitioner. However, he denied writing such letter.
“I am not a member of Dominion Centre International and I have never had any relationship with the organization.”
“I wish to use this medium to inform the public, my associates, friends and family, that I, Hon. Pastor Frank Alozie Onwumere, did not author the said petition and did not authorize anybody to do so on my behalf.” He said.
