N7billion: CAN denies allegation, wants faceless group probed

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), yesterday, called on the security agencies to investigate the allegation of N7 billion bribe leveled against it by one Musa Dikwa.

Dikwa had alleged that the leadership of CAN was given N7 billion by President Goodluck Jonathan to campaign for his re-election.

The National Christian body in a statement, however, denied the allegation, describing it as height of mischief and desperation.

The statement signed by the General Secretary of CAN, Rev Musa Asake, in Abuja, said the accusation was as a result of its refusal to endorse All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).

Asake explained that CAN was not a political association and its members cut across different political parties, therefore, it would not have anointed any candidate for the forthcoming elections.

The statement read: “Ordinarily, we would have ignored this baseless and worthless allegation but for the vulnerable public which believes in anything, no matter how incredible the source could be especially in this era of politics.

“For the avoidance of doubt, CAN has no knowledge of any N7 billion transaction as alleged by Musa Dikwa who claims to be the Executive Director of a non-existent group, Voice of Northern Christian Movement. CAN is not a political party, let alone getting involved in partisan politics. Christians who are members of CAN belong to different political parties.

“It is therefore surprising to hear that CAN is campaigning for one candidate. Revered men of God including Pastors Ayo Oritsejafor, CAN President; Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel and Pastor Bosun Emmanuel (Secretary-General of National Christian Elders Forum) are too upright to be linked with any such deal.

“CAN is therefore not surprised to see Musa Dikwa doing a yeoman’s job the next day through his allegations. This is the hans of Esau but voice of Jacob. The allegation by Dikwa is masterminded by those who were not happy with our recent press statement in which we denounced the endorsement of the presidential candidate of APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) by a group of people using the name of different Christian organizations to perpetrate the fraud.’’

 Vanguard.