By CHARLES IWUOHA

Ebonyi State Government has said that it does not recognise any other CAN leadership in the State, except the one led by Dr. Scamb Nwokolo.

Governor Francis Nwifuru who stated this during the 2024 Easter Choral Competition at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki.

Nwifuru, said he holds CAN in very high esteem and would not condone anyone sowing seeds of discord within the body.

The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, noted that it was only the Nwokolo-led CAN that the government recognises and would continue to work with, describing any supposed splinter group as mere detractors.

“The CAN in Ebonyi State, the Governor holds you in very high esteem, and the government is aware of pockets of distractions here and there. But the Governor’s position is that the government has no intention to interfere with the leadership of CAN.

“And we will never accept any leadership that came through any other means than that which is recognised by the National body of CAN.”

The Governor said it was only the resurrection of Jesus that gave meaning to Christianity, and appreciated CAN for the initiative, which he described as the best way to celebrate Easter.

In a brief exhortation by Rev. Daniel Ukor of the Triumphant True Worshippers Assembly, he enjoined Christians to live their lives reflective of the power of God, which resurrected Jesus Christ from the dead.

He lamented the rot in the present day society, noting that the politicians were not the problem of Nigeria, but the Church, which has failed in her responsibilities.

Ukor further enjoined Christians and the Church in general to return to God in sincerity, purge itself of mutual antagonism and pray in unity, so as to unlock the many blessings God has in store for the nation.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the event, the CAN Chairman,Dr. Nwokolo restated that there was actually no leadership crisis in Ebonyi State, adding that what seemed like crisis was mere distractions by a few individuals who wanted to constitute a clog in the wheel of progress of the Association.

He appreciated the Governor for his fatherly disposition, which, he noted, has added greater impetus to the affirmation of the national CAN leadership.

Nwokolo enjoined Christians to continue to intercede for the State with unity of purpose, adding that it was the prayers of the faithful that has continued to nurture unity and progress in Nigeria in spite of many odds.

The choral event featured performances from some guest choirs, soloists, trumpeters and Xylophonists.

Five different choirs representing the five blocs of CAN competed for the trophies.

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria bloc choir emerged the first position, while the Organisation of African Instituted Churches and TEKAN/ECWA blocs clinched second and third positions respectively in the competition.

Recall that Pastor Alloy Ogah has been laying claims of the leadership of CAN in Ebonyi State.

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