Chairmen of the factions of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have drummed support for the new executive council of Northern CAN, led by Reverend Joseph Hayab.

These chairmen declared their support for the new administration during a press conference held at the Christian Centre in Abuja, shortly after the CAN leaders returned from pilgrimage to Israel.

Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, Apostle Shina Ibiyemi from the Kwara State chapter criticised the former leaders, Reverend Yakubu Pam and Elder Sunday Oibe, for extending their tenure beyond the stipulated period.

According to him, their actions were a betrayal of Christian principles. He knocked them for engaging in tenure manipulation when they ought to set examples for political leaders.

“We have tested the new leadership and know the type of leadership they will render. We cannot allow power-hungry individuals to hold Northern CAN hostage,” the chairmen declared.

The Secretary of CAN Katsina State, Dr. Daniel Musa Danladi, also described them as “shameful” and described the new leadership as legitimate.

He noted that the majority of the state chairmen had participated in the election, Danladi also challenged the media to verify the identities of those making contrary claims.

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The newly elected CAN Chairman, Rev. Hayab, had earlier expressed dismay over the insults and scandalous statements levelled against him by the former CAN leadership.

He stressed that the meeting was to tell the world that there was nothing like a “coup” against Pam and Oibe, as they claimed.

The Chairmen denied approving any constitution or by law at the Northern CAN meeting on January 25th, as circulated by Oribe.

“We are not here to trade abuses. The truth is clear. Pam and Oibe’s tenure expired in 2022, but they refused to step aside and are now trying to confuse people,” said Rev. Hayab.

The Chairman of the 19-Northern state CAN Youth Wing, Evang. Musa Misal and Women’s Wing Leader, Ambassador Elizabeth Azizi, also advised the ex-leadership against hurling abusive words at the newly elected CAN leaders.

He narrated how a press statement was signed in his name without his consent on February 28th, claiming that he and the youth wing were with Rev. Pam.

Musa described this as a desperate act and urged the former leaders to tread with caution.