CAN Suspends Gombe Chairman For ‘Provocative’ Message To Buhari Minister

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has suspended its Caretaker Chairman, Gombe State Chapter, Rev. Sunday Congo, for using the association’s platform to issue congratulatory message to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami.

Recall that Pantami had been on the spotlight regarding his past controversial comments which allegedly approved activities of terrorists.

Advertisement

Pantami had however expressed regrets and claimed that he made the comments when he was “a teenager” and that the remarks were based on his understanding of religious issues at the time.

CAN secretary in Gombe state, Senior Apostle John Adedigba, on behalf of the state chapter of the association, wrote a letter to the minister stating that “On behalf of the Christian community in Gombe State, we happily rejoice and congratulate our own son and brother Prof Isa Ali Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM, MCPN, the Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy on your promotion to the rank of professor of Cyber Security and your two years in office.”

But in a suspension letter from the National CAN dated September 15 and signed by its General Secretary, Barrister Daramola Joseph Bade, the association noted that the actions of the Caretaker chairman had generated concerns amongst the Christian community.

The letter, seen by our correspondent, further stated that he took the action without authorization, which, according to the CAN, contravened its rules.

Advertisement

Subsequently, he was suspended and ordered to hand over all CAN property to the next official in hierarchy in the state.

The letter reads:

“Dear Sir,

“LETTER OF SUSPENSION

“Following the recent publications of your congratulatory message to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali lbrahim Pantami, we write to inform you that your actions has generated a lot of concerns amongst members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Advertisement

“This action of yours in publishing and release made on behalf of the Association is tantamount to unilateral decision of you and overzealousness on your part, which was done without authorization and clearance. It is not only provocative but undermines the CAN NEC Executive.

“It does not in anyway represent their position. In view of the above, you are hereby directed to relinquish your position in Gombe CAN Executive with immediate effect and hand over all CAN’s property to your next in line in your Bloc. In future, you are advised to consult and get approval from the Authority of CAN National Level so that WE May ALL MAY SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE.”

Leave a comment

Advertisement