By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Deputy Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benue State, Rev. Jonathan Ugbede, has said the body can’t be dragged into the dirty waters of politics.
He insisted that the Association remains apolitical and will continue to uphold its values.
Ugbede made the statement while receiving a Certificate of Commendation from the Middle Belt Media Practitioners in Nigeria, in conjunction with the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations at the CAN Secretariat in Makurdi, on Wednesday.
He explained that CAN is not a political platform and should not be used to advance partisan interests.
“Christian Association of Nigeria is not a political party. We are not partisan and we do not want to be dragged into politics,” Rev. Ugbede said.
According to him, “although individual Christians may belong to different political parties, the association itself must remain neutral. Every politician that is a Christian is a member of our church. You will find people from different parties among us, but that does not mean we should use the pulpit for politics” Ugbede said.
He also dismissed claims that some pastors recently endorsed a politician for public office, describing such reports as misleading.
“Yesterday I was told that 150 pastors gathered to endorse someone. I said they are not pastors. None of the recognised church leaders in Benue released their pastors to attend such a political gathering,” he stated.
He further warned that no individual or group should claim to speak on behalf of CAN without proper authorization from the association.
“No single person should go out speaking on behalf of CAN. When CAN wants to make a statement, we do it collectively through our leadership,” he emphasized.
Ugbede also pointed that the association’s role is primarily spiritual, particularly praying for leaders and engaging them constructively rather than attacking them publicly.
“The Bible instructs us to pray for the government in power. If we have any counsel for the governor, we will invite him and discuss with him,” he added.
While dedicating the award to the Assistant Secretary of CAN in Benue State, “Apostle General” Mike Ihenacho, Rev. Ugbede appreciated him for his support and guidance, saying, “I depend on him so much. I first dedicate this award to him for his tireless support”.
Rev. Ugbede, who is a pastor with the First Baptist Church, said he was surprised to receive the honour, noting that his involvement in interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding had been a personal commitment to service.
“I never knew anyone was taking note of what we were doing. For me, it is simply service to God and humanity,” he said, adding that he has been involved in interfaith activities for over a decade”.
Earlier, leader of the group, Dr. Terwase China Abigwa, who is the national secretary, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, and member of the Middle Belt Media Practitioners said the recognition was in appreciation of Ugbede’s contributions to peace, justice and unity in Benue State.
Dr. Abigwa noted that the Deputy CAN chairman had consistently lent his voice against insecurity in the state and promoted interfaith dialogue and harmony among religious groups.
In goodwill messages, the Methodist Bishop of Makurdi and Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Rt. Rev. Edoka Amuta, who presented the award on behalf of the group, said Ugbede had demonstrated strong leadership and the ability to unite the various blocs within CAN.
On his part, Assistant CAN Secretary, Rev. Mike Nkiri, a pastor with the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), also commended Ugbede’s leadership, describing him as a man of few words whom God is using to achieve significant milestones in the association.
Similarly, the Benue State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Dr. Timothy Kume, described the recognition as well deserved.
“If not because of him, the ship of CAN would have gone under.
