Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
All is now set towards the November 7th congress and election of Taraba State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as all necessary formalities have been completed.
The State Chairman, Rev. Dr. Isaiah Jirapye Magaji disclose this in an interview with our correspondent in Jalingo.
He said that the National officials are expected in Jalingo on Thursday for the election while the National President will arrive on Friday November 8thfor combine service and inauguration of the new executives as well as pay-courtesy call to the state Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas.
According to him, bloc leaders of CAN in the state are also expected to meet today (Tuesday) to harmonize and present a report before the election and expressed the hope that the exercise will be peaceful.
On some of his achievements recorded in the past 5 years, the CAN Chairman highlighted established unity among the Christians, piloted Christians for peaceful 2023 governorship election in the state and effected major repairs within and around the secretariat complex of CAN among several others.
Dr. Magaji who doubles as President Christian Reformed Church Nigeria (CRCN) and state Chairman Pilgrim Welfare Board described as an enormous task particularly to lead Christians of different denominations together are some of his challenges.
“The last 2023 governorship election in the state appeared extremely difficult and nearly tiered Christians apart due to interest as result of many Christian contenders in various political parties.
“But we expressed gratitude to God for overcomer.
“Other constraints I faced was lack of funds, dilapidated secretariat and overhead cost (salary) of not less than 26 staff among others.
“I want to use this medium to appreciate the state governor Dr. Agbu Kefas for his support and intervention.
Rev. Isaiah Magaji also acknowledge positive contributions of the present speaker Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, his predecessor Hon. Joseph Albasu Kunini and former state Accountant general and now permanent secretary Ministry of Environment, Mr. Aminu Ayuba (Kotolo) to CAN and prayed to God to reward them immensely as well as other Christians who stood for them through prayers.
Speaking on nationwide ranging issues, the Clergy urged Christians not to give up but to trust in God even though he described the present situation as worrisome and unfortunate.
He urged Christians to remain focused and be steady fast in times of hardship and continue to pray for the nation and her leaders.
He cautions Christians particularly in the state to maximize their farm produce (food stuff) for family benefit as against selling them out for material quests as incoming days and new year are uncertain.