By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
Preparation towards the November 7th election for Taraba State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) now on top gear as all necessary formalities have been completed.
The state chairman, Rev. Dr. Isaiah Jirapye Magaji who made this known in an interview with our correspondent in Jalingo yesterday said the National officials are expected in Jalingo on Thursday for the election while the National President will arrive Friday November 8th for combined service, inauguration of the new executives as well as pay-courtesy call to the state governor Dr. Agbu Kefas.
To ensure a hitch-free election,Dr. Jirapye said 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 major breakthroughs 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.
Speaking on the constraints, Dr. Magaji who doubles as President Christian Reformed Church Nigeria (CRCN) and state chairman pilgrim welfare boardDescribed as an enormous task particularly to lead Christians of different denominations together.
According to him, the last 2023 governorship election in the state appeared extremely difficult and nearlytieredChristians apart due to interest as result of many Christian contenders in various political parties but expressed gratitude to God for overcomer. Other constraints he mentioned include lack of funds, dilapidated secretariat and overhead cost (salary) of not less than 26 staff among others.
While he appreciated the state governor Dr. AgbuKefas for support and intervention, Rev. Isaiah Magajialso acknowledge positive contributions of the present speaker Hon. John KizitoBonzena, his predecessor Hon. Joseph AlbasuKuniniand former state accountant general and now permanent secretary ministry of environment Mr. AminuAyuba (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.
Rev. Magaji urged Christians to remain focused and 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 yearare uncertain.
