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CAN: North Central Zone inaugurates newly elected EXCO, present award to Jonathan, Boss, Ortom, Lalong
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North Central Zone, on Sunday, inaugurated new executive, to pilot its affairs in the region for the next five years.
The 10 member executive who will serve a single tenure that will last till April 30, 2028, was sworn in at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
Rev Dr. Samson Jonah from TEKAN/ECWA bloc of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) CAN, was sworn in as the Chairman.
Bishop Dr. RBC Okonkwo of the Organisation of African Churches (OAIC) Plateau state, will serve as the vice chairman while Pastor Dr. Simon Dolly (Christian Council of Nigeria) Nasarawa state, is the secretary of the zone.
Others are Bishop Sado Henry, Assistant secretary, Rev Fr. Patrick Polit, Treasurer, Barr. Adebowale Olaoluwa, Director legal and Public Affairs, Rev Fr. Jude Omaku, Director Ecumenism, Ven Dr. Andrew Olugbemiro, Director Research and Planning, Apostle Tony Ukachukwu, Director youth and Women Education, Daniel Peverga Dam, Director National Issues and Social Walfare.
Inaugurating the newly elected officers, the President of CAN, Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh charged them to be determined in ensuring that the organisation succeed.
He advised that while influencing the people they lead, they should work in cooperation towards the goal, vision and aspiration of the association at all times.
Citing John Gospel chapter 17 verse 21, the President of CAN urged the North Central Zone executive to be ambassador of the christian body in discharging their duties.
“Leaders are chosen by election and they are expected to lead, having the motto of their association in mind and therefore leading the Christian Association of Nigeria at any level, it is expected that leaders must be seen to walk together. And to influence people, all Christians must come together in service, walking in one accord.
“I therefore as the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, charge you all, my dear sister and brothers to be with deep understanding of the vision, mission, goals of Christian Association of Nigeria. I charge you to work with compassion and Commitment to the objectives of the Christian Association of Nigeria at any particular point in time.
“I charge you the Christian Association of Nigeria North Central Zone, that with compassion, with commitment, with humility, sincerity, with honesty, it is important to continue to protect the dignity and the integrity of this global association. When we do this, Christ will be pleased with us”, he added.
However, the executive after been prayed for, collectively pledged to fulfill their duties and obligations as designated.
In the acceptance speech, the newly installed chairman, Rev Dr. Jonah Samson, who spoke on behalf of the executive said although the task ahead is not an easy one, they are encouraged by the Lord Jesus Christ who said he will never leave his own. He expressed confidence that God Almighty will be with them.
He urged the church in Nigeria to continue to pray for them to succeed.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the event, the newly inaugurated secretary, Pastor Dr. Dolly said it is the will of God to have been elected to serve the North Central Zone of CAN.
He noted that the major problem in the zone is lack of unity. “We have inter religious issues, we also have the intra problem but the main problem is the Inter-Religious crisis bedeviling this North Central.
“Our key cardinal point in this administration, is to go for unity and peace between Christians and Muslims in North Central Zone”.
In the same vein, CAN North Central Zone conferred an Icon of Peace and Democracy in Nigeria award to Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha was awarded with the Pillar of peace and administrative excellence in Nigeria. Plateau state governor was conferred with the award of an Icon of Peace and Unity in Nigeria while the governor of Benue state was given the Icon of peace and good governance in Nigeria award. Taraba state governor, Arch Dickson Ishaku got the award of the Icon of peace and exemplary leadership in Nigeria.
Other awardees were; CAN President, Most. Rev Dr. Daniel Okoh (Unity and defender of the faith), Accord Presidential Candidate, Prof Christopher Imumolen (Icon of Excellence and Education Development in Nigeria), FCT Abuja Senator, Philip Aduda (Icon of Peace and good leadership in Nigeria), President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji (Pillar of peace and exemplary leadership in Nigeria), Member House of Representative, Rt.Hon Yohanna Micah (Icon of Peace and exemplary leadership in Nigeria), Chairman AMAC FCT, Christopher Zaka Maikalangu (Icon of Peace and good governance in Nigeria), Chairman Bwari Area Council FCT, Hon. John Gabaya (Pillar of unity and good governance in Nigeria).
One of the awardees, Accord Party presidential candidate, Christopher Imumolen, appreciated the Christian organisation for recognising his impact in the education sector.
He said receiving the award has spurred him to do even more for education in the country.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
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