There appears to be division among the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over some media reports on Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Daily Trust reports that some media organisations (not Daily Trust) had reported that thugs linked to Seyi Tinubu disrupted the inauguration of the national executive of a faction of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The reports also have it that some prominent Nigerians including two former governors, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano and Captain Idris Wada of Kogi as well as an emir and other personalities were also attacked.
The development led to Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the CAN in the 19 Northern states and FCT, condemning what he called misleading and false reports against Seyi Tinubu.
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In a statement he personally signed, Hayab said the President’s son should not be subjected to blackmail and propaganda just because he is Tinubu’s son.
However, in a swift reaction, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the President of CAN, disowning Rev. Hayab said only CAN President can issue official national or international statements.
“This clarification is necessary to ensure accurate public representation and to prevent the spread of misinformation. CAN operates a four-tier structure. At the national level, the Association is headquartered in Abuja and led by the President and the National Executive Council (NEC).
“The General Assembly ratifies significant decisions, including the election of the President. This level is responsible for national policy direction and represents all Christian denominations across Nigeria,” the statement reads in parts.
He stressed that the authority to issue official press statements on behalf of CAN resides solely with the President, as stipulated in the CAN Constitution.
He said, “The current President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, is therefore the only person empowered to speak on behalf of the association on matters of national and international importance. While zonal, state, and local chapters may issue communications relevant to their immediate contexts, they are not authorised to issue statements representing the national position of CAN unless expressly permitted by the national leadership.
“It has come to the attention of the national leadership that certain statements attributed to entities such as ‘Northern CAN’, ‘Southern CAN’, and other regional or unofficial groups are in circulation. CAN categorically states that these entities are not recognised within its constitutional structure.
“Any statements issued by such groups do not reflect the official position of CAN and should be disregarded by the public and the media.”
Archbishop Okoh urged stakeholders, especially media organisations, to verify the authenticity of any communication attributed to CAN by contacting the National Secretariat or confirming that it is signed by the President or his designated representative
He said that this will help prevent misinformation and preserve the integrity of CAN’s official voice.
