TheNewsGuru

Tag: CAN

  • BREAKING: More kidnapped victims of Abuja-Kaduna train attack released [PHOTOS]

    BREAKING: More kidnapped victims of Abuja-Kaduna train attack released [PHOTOS]

    …including an 85-year-old lady

    The terrorists that attacked the AK-9 Abuja-Kaduna train passengers on March 28, on Friday, released four more hostages including an 85-year-old woman, Hajiya Halimatu Atta, her daughter, Adams Aliyu and two others after spending four months in captivity.

    Tukur Mamu, Publisher of Kaduna-based Desert Herald and Media Consultant to controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who withdrew as one of the negotiators, confirmed the release of the four hostages to newsmen in Kaduna.

    Mamu also disclosed that if urgent steps were not taken, a 21-year-old Arzurfa Lois John might be married out to one of the terrorists as was in the case of Leah Sharibu, the Dapchi schoolgirl.

    According to him, one of the terrorists’ commanders was said to be in love with Lois.

    Mamu gave the identities of those released to include, Mama Halimatu Atta, her daughter, Adams, Mohammed Sani Abdulmaji (M.S Ustaz) (who suggested his (Mamu) names to the terrorists as one those to mediate) as well as a Sokoto indigene, Alhaji Modin Modi Bodinga.

    Mamu said the terrorists planned to marry off the 21-year-old girl, alerting the Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria to act urgently.

    According to him, the CAN must not politicise or take the information with levity, adding that relevant authorities should engage the abductors in her (Lois) case as soon as possible before it is late.

  • 2023: Don’t lose sleep over Muslim-Muslim ticket – Bishop Kwakpovwe advises Nigerians

    2023: Don’t lose sleep over Muslim-Muslim ticket – Bishop Kwakpovwe advises Nigerians

    Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe, the General Overseer of Manna Prayer Mountain and Publisher of the popular Our Daily Manna has advised Nigerians, especially Christians not to be too bothered about the All People’s Congress, APC’s controversial Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

    Bishop Kwakpovwe made the declaration during the 2022 edition of the Mid-Year World Anointing Service held at the ministry’s headquarters, 8 -13 Omotayo Banwo Street Ogudu, Orioke, Lagos on Saturday July 23rd.

    The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN and other prominent Nigerians have all kicked against the emergence of APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, describing it as evil and insensitive.

    With the theme, ‘Oh Finger Of God; Show Up For Me’, the grand finale of the 14 days programme, which was beamed live across the world, an overwhelming huge crowd filled the ministry’s (Mountain) auditorium with overflows of worshippers outside.

    The pharmacist-turned preacher, Bishop Chris said; “The Muslim-Muslim ticket doesn’t worry me. After all, we campaigned for late MKO Abiola, who was a Muslim from Ogun State and Babagana Kingibe, another Muslim from Borno State. Nigerians at that time were united in voting them to victory – The Popular June 12 election which was annuled by the military. Maybe by now, Nigeria would have been like America.

    “So the Muslim-Muslim ticket is not my worry. The whole country voted for that man. But Babangida and the Junta annulled the election. My plea to all of you is to ensure you pick your PVC and vote for the best candidate.”

    Speaking further, he said; “Please don’t misquote me. I didn’t say PDP is better than APC or whatever. But what I’m saying is that I don’t believe in condemning anybody, but my counsel to those complaining that the Muslim-Muslim ticket is bad or terrible, is that; carry your PVC and remove those you don’t want, even if it’s Christian-Christian ticket, if they are not doing well, what do you do ? Use your PVC to vote them out.”

    According to Bishop Kwakpovwe, If anybody has the intention to islamise Nigeria, such people would not be alive to witness it.

    “Where is Leah Sharibu? That wonderful Christian girl? Where is she today? She is still in captivity. What wickedness is this? I’m not saying be Obidient, or “be PDP or APC” because I am a father to all. But hear me carefully. We will not support evil. Anybody secretly planning to bring Jihadists into this country; I make a decree today: That they shall.not be alive to accomplish it in Jesus name.

    “Anybody that will allow this suffering to continue shall not win the election.”

    He however urged Nigerians to continue praying for their leaders as he submitted that a good man with good intentions might bow to pressure and change whenever they get elected.

    “Obi can enter and change. APC can enter and change. The same with PDP, etc. So my prayer is that anyone that would take us back to square one shall not get there. Always pray for your leaders. They are always under pressure from insincere political friends.”

    The bishop urged members and the nation to pray especially for the month of August and September, saying that the two months are significant.

    While Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe led prayers, with intermittently preaching in his usual charismatic style, large number of the worshippers were healed of different ailments as many gave incredible testimonies during the service.

    Online viewers also called to give their testimonies of healings and how the atmosphere changed at various locations across the Globe.

    Soul-thrilling praise and worship songs were orchestrated by the very wonderful choir -Manna Voices, who dictated the tunes for the revival that left participants dancing and rejoicing.
    It was indeed a manifestation of God’s Finger!

  • CAN president, Archbishop Okoh speaks on Muslim-Muslim ticket

    CAN president, Archbishop Okoh speaks on Muslim-Muslim ticket

    The newly inaugurated president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Thursday posited that many Christians have the genuine fear that there is a deliberate plan to remove the Christian faith from the scheme of things and marginalize them.

    Okoh further explained that their fear was as a result of recent happenings in the country’s polity.

    He frowned at the same faith ticket despite the outcry from CAN

    “That is, the same-faith ticket in one of the major political parties in Nigeria despite the caution raised by CAN since two years ago.”

    In his acceptance speech in Abuja after the General Assembly of CAN validated his election, Okoh said: “We are coming in at the time that all of us in the Christian faith, believe that some section of political leaders are not sensitive to the diverse nature of our population when certain decisions are being made.

    “Whatever happens, no matter how many times our sensibilities are insulted, we must resolve to make a positive impact on the political, economic, and social systems of our dear nation.”

    Recall that the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu picked Kashim Shettima, a Northern Muslim as his running mate despite massive outcry from the public and the Christian faith.

  • God is with you – New CAN President’s wife, Ngozi tells him

    God is with you – New CAN President’s wife, Ngozi tells him

    General Deaconess (Mrs) Ngozi Okoh has congratulated her husband, Archbishop Daniel Okoh after he emerged as the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mrs Okoh, a prolific gospel singer, while charging Archbishop Okoh not to be afraid, stated that she and their children will support him in the new position.

    “Congratulations my dear Husband, my Darling brother and my Dearest Friend. Do not be afraid God is with you! He, that  called you, never fails and He never slumbers.

    “Victory belongs to him and he will never leave you alone in Jesus name Amen. By God’s grace I and our Children will support you with everything within us in this your new position.

    “I love you my Love. We pray that God will use you to restore and rebuild our dear Nation Nigerian! Congratulations our CAN President of Nigerian,” she stated.

    TNG reports Archbishop Okoh was born on November 12, 1963 in Kano to Christian parents. He is a native of Ndoni in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. He is married to Ngozi and they are blessed with four children.

    Okoh is a product of the famous Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha. In 1988, he graduated from the University of Port-Harcourt in the Second Class Upper Division in Political Science and Education.

    Thereafter, he attended Christ Holy Church Seminary, Onitsha and was awarded a diploma in Theology. Since then he has undertaken many courses and participated in seminars that are relevant to his ministry work both in Nigeria and abroad.

    As the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church International – an African Independent Church – he leads his denomination in ecumenical relations with other denominations in the body of Christ and engages with people of other religions in dialogue for peaceful co-existence and sustainable development.

    For more than 20 years, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, has been actively involved in ecumenical relations and interfaith dialogue in and outside Nigeria through the following positions : International Chairman of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC); National President of OAIC (Nigeria Region) (2005 – 2014); National Vice-President of Christian Association of Nigeria (2007 – 2013), former member, Board of Directors of Inter-Faith HIV/AIDS Coalition of Nigeria; Member, Governing Council of Good News Theological College and Seminary Accra, Ghana; Member, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC); and Member of the Board of African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace.

    He is also a board member of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (Nigeria). Between 2000 and 2003 he was the only African representative in the Steering Committee of the International Forum on Multicultural Ministry which was initiated and sponsored by the Mission and Evangelism Team of the World Council of Churches.

    In the area of Politics and Governance, Archbishop Daniel Okoh was one of the six delegates that represented CAN in the National Political Reform Conference of 2005 organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    From 2009 – 2011 Most Rev. Daniel Okoh served on the board of National Orientation Agency (NOA) as an Institutional representative of Christian Association of Nigeria.

    Over the years, Daniel Okoh, a de-tribalized Nigerian, has built friendships across religious and ethnic lines around the globe. He welcomes and participates in conversations and programmes that would bring about peaceful coexistence among the peoples of the world and sustainable development.

    TNG reports Okoh was officially inaugurated as the 8th President of CAN at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja on Thursday, bringing to an end the tenure of Dr Samson Olusupo-Ayokunle.

  • 2023: New CAN President, Okoh condemns APC over Muslim-Muslim ticket

    2023: New CAN President, Okoh condemns APC over Muslim-Muslim ticket

    The new President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh has condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for flagging a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2023 presidential election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Archbishop Okoh, who was inaugurated as the 8th President of CAN at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja on Thursday, however, advised that no matter what happens, Christians must resolve to make a positive impact.

    The new CAN President, who is expected to serve a single five-year term, in his acceptance speech, charged President Muhammadu Buhari to quell the rising insecurity in the country.

    “While thanking the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for his efforts to combat terrorism and banditry, I would like to appeal to His Excellency to end the bloodletting, kidnapping and general insecurity in all the geo-political zones of the country.

    “I believe that the government can do more to secure the lives and properties of Nigerians given all the modern technology within its reach,” Okoh said.

    According to him, the need for CAN to respond appropriately to national issues is imperative while assuring that the apex Christian organisation would continue to participate actively and effectively in nation building.

    “We are coming in at the time that all of us in the Christian faith believe that some sections of political leaders are not sensitive to the diverse nature of our population when certain decisions are being made.

    “Many Christians feel and have the genuine fear that there is a deliberate plan to remove the Christian faith from the scheme of things and make us second-class citizens in our own country – genuine fear borne out of the recent happenings in our polity i.e. the same-faith ticket in one of the major political parties in Nigeria despite the caution raised by CAN since two years ago.

    “Whatever happens, no matter how many times our sensibilities are insulted, we must resolve to make a positive impact on the political, economic and social systems of our dear nation,” he said.

    Nevertheless, Okoh stated that for Christians to remain relevant in the scheme of things, the first step was to increase CAN’s efforts to work towards Christian unity and mutual understanding among the denominations of the Church in Nigeria.

    The General Assembly of CAN formally validated the election of Okoh as its new President on Thursday, thereby bringing to an end the tenure of Dr Samson Olusupo-Ayokunle.

    His recommendation by an electoral college which was set up to screen and suggest candidates for the offices of the President and Vice President, respectively, as presented by the blocs that have rights of nomination was in line with the provisions of the 2021 CAN constitution as amended.

    The Archbishop, who is the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church International, Onitsha, emerged as the new spiritual leader of CAN, after getting a 100 per cent vote of all 259 delegates who participated in its 12th General Assembly.

    Ayokunle told his successor to love the people irrespective of their weaknesses.

    “The people will annoy him, make him angry, and may not even appreciate him, but he must continue to seek the good of the people,” he advised.

  • BREAKING: Daniel Okoh emerges new CAN president

    BREAKING: Daniel Okoh emerges new CAN president

    The Most Reverend Daniel Okoh has been elected as the new president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    TheNewsGur.com (TNG) reports CAN’s General Secretary, Mr Joseph Daramola disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The Most Reverend Okoh is the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church, also known as Nation Builders (Odozi-Obodo).

    CAN is made up of five blocs: Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN)/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), (TEKAN and ECWA Fellowship).

    The association is scheduled to hold its general assembly on July 27 which would usher in the new administration. The assembly also marks the end of the tenure of Samson Olusupo-Ayokunle.

  • Bishops at Shettima’s unveiling are genuine – MURIC replies CAN

    Bishops at Shettima’s unveiling are genuine – MURIC replies CAN

    Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has declared that all the Christian clerics who attended the unveiling of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Vice Presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola stated on Friday in reaction to the dissociation by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    Akintola posited that many Christian  Bishops attended Shettima’s unveiling despite CAN’s disposition towards the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

    MURIC accused the Christian leadership of shying away from reality and living in self-denial.

    “Going by the findings, it is now very clear that leaders of CAN have distanced themselves from reality,” it said.

    “How low can a religious body descend? What does CAN stand to gain by deceiving its followers?

    MURIC also listed some of those it maintained are genuine clergymen that graced the APC event.

    Akintola said Bishop Kamoru is “a real cleric from Peace Chapel, Mararaba”, in Nasarawa State.

    “A picture has emerged where he was seen conducting a wedding in the church. Some members have come up to say that they knew him personally.

    “Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, of Gboko Catholic Diocese, Benue State, is also the APC Governorship candidate.

    “Pastor Prince Ugokwe, also confirmed that he is a real pastor and not fake”, the Islamic group added.

    MURIC noted that CAN “is not to be trusted” for CAN disowning “but knowledgeable bishops and pastors”.

    “This shows that a caucus within the leadership of CAN has unleashed tyranny of the oligarchy on Christendom in Nigeria”, the statement added.

    Ugo Ugokwe, an APC member and one of the clerics, responded to critics in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

     

  • Stop this ‘village headmaster’ drama, mention bishops at Shettima’s unveiling, CAN dares APC

    Stop this ‘village headmaster’ drama, mention bishops at Shettima’s unveiling, CAN dares APC

     

    The Christian Association of Nigeria has challenged the All Progressives Congress to mention its (CAN) officials who attended the unveiling of its vice presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima, by the flag-bearer, Bola Tinubu.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the demand came barely five hours after the Vice President of CAN (19 Northern States and Abuja), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, dissociated the organisation from the visit.dissociated the organisation from the visit.

    Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the President of CAN, Samson Ayokunle, threw the challenge in his short reaction sent to journalists in Abuja.

    He said, “Let them name the CAN officials at the programme and their offices. If they could use 2017 photos to claim that some Pastors visited Shettima and lied that Pastor E. A Adeboye has endorsed them, they could do anything.

    “Our position on Muslim-Muslim ticket is irreversible. Anybody can claim anything but one thing is clear, CAN was not part of the unveiling programme of Shettima.”

    Hayab had earlier in his reaction said that although the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was free to “hire mechanics and other artisans and sew clerical garments for them”, that effort would only add to their many ropes but would not change the need for fairness and justice.

    He had said, “The people we saw at the unveiling of Shettima paraded as Bishops are people who did not have enough time to learn how to wear Bishop garments. Take a closer look at their photo and you will see another Nollywood movie.

    “CAN wonders why the desperation. First, a story was out claiming to have come from the Chairman of CAN Borno state only to be refuted. Secondly, there was another lie that BAT (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) and his running mate were on their way to meet CAN President one night. A meeting that was not true and was on a night that the CAN President was in Alabama USA attending the Baptist World Alliance Conference of which he is the Vice President.

    “Another desperation story was that they met Papa Adeboye which the RCCG later refuted. If Christians are not important, why the desperation?

    “BAT is free to hire mechanics and other artisans and sew clerical garments for them. An effort that will only add to their many ropes when the political exercise is over but will not change the need for fairness and justice that CAN is calling for.

    “CAN appreciates that we are in a democracy, no need to do funny and dubious things just to prove a point because it will at the end bounce back. The BAT team should simply do what is right and stop the drama.”

  • CAN disowns Bishops sighted at unveiling of Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate

    CAN disowns Bishops sighted at unveiling of Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate

    The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has disowned bishops sighted at the unveiling ceremony of Kashim Shetima unveiling ceremony as Bola Tinubu’s running mate in 2023 presidential election.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls some Nigerians adorning robes of Bishops at the ceremony as they all deliberately shunned journalists at the event.

    Reacting to this development, CAN in a statement signed by Rev. Joseph John Hayab CAN Kaduna State Chairman and
    Vice President of CAN (19 Northern States and Abuja)said:“The people we saw at the unveiling of Shettima paraded as Bishops are people who did not have enough time to learn how to wear Bishop garments.

    “Take a closer look at their photo and you will see another Nollywood movie.
    CAN wonders why the desperation. First, a story was out claiming to have come from the Chairman of CAN Borno state only to be refuted.

    “Secondly, there was another lie that BAT (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) and his running mate were on their way to meet CAN President one night.

    “A meeting that was not true and was on a night that the CAN President was in Alabama USA attending Baptist World Alliance Conference of which he is the Vice President.

    “Another desperation story was that they met Papa Adeboye which the RCCG later refuted. If Christians are not important why the desperation?

    “BAT is free to hire mechanics and other artisans and sew clerical garments for them. An effort that will only add to their many ropes when the political exercise is over but will not change the need for fairness and justice that CAN is calling for.

    “CAN appreciates that we are in a democracy, no need to do funny and dubious things just to prove a point because it will in the end bounce back.
    BAT team should simply do what is right and stop the drama.”

    – Rev. Joseph John Hayab
    CAN Kaduna State Chairman and
    Vice President of CAN (19 Northern States and Abuja)

  • CAN denies Bishops at Shettima’s unveiling, says they are fake

    CAN denies Bishops at Shettima’s unveiling, says they are fake

    The Christian Association of Nigeria  (CAN)  has frowned at the presence of Bishops at the unveiling ceremony of Kashim Shettima as All Progressive Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate in Abuja today.

    CAN dissociate itself from Bishops who attended the unveiling of Bola Tinubu and  Kashim Shettima, adding that they were desperados who went for their aggrandizement.

    The organization said that although the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was free to “hire mechanics and other artisans and sew clerical garments for them”, that effort would only add to their many ropes but would not change the need for fairness and justice.

    The Vice President of CAN (19 Northern States and Abuja) and its chairman in Kaduna State, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said this in an interview with journalists in Abuja.

    He said, “The people we saw at the unveiling of Shettima paraded as Bishops are people who did not have enough time to learn how to wear Bishop garments. Take a closer look at their photo and you will see another Nollywood movie.

    “CAN wonders why the desperation. First, a story was out claiming to have come from the Chairman of CAN Borno state only to be refuted. Secondly, there was another lie that BAT (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) and his running mate were on their way to meet CAN President one night. A meeting that was not true and was on a night that the CAN President was in Alabama USA attending the Baptist World Alliance Conference of which he is the Vice President.

    “Another desperation story was that they met Papa Adeboye which the RCCG later refuted. If Christians are not important why the desperation?

    “BAT is free to hire mechanics and other artisans and sew clerical garments for them. An effort that will only add to their many ropes when the political exercise is over but will not change the need for fairness and justice that CAN is calling for.

    “CAN appreciate that we are in a democracy, no need to do funny and dubious things just to prove a point because it will in the end bounce back. BAT team should simply do what is right and stop the drama.”