The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN on Sunday took an exception to what it called unwarranted attacks on its President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, over the recent involvement of his aircraft in the $9.3 million arms deal in South Africa.
CAN stated this in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, North Central Zone, Rev. Yakubu Pam, and Secretary, Rev. Moses J. Ebuga, made available to journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
It also washed its hands off in the whole affair, warning individuals and groups to desist from making unguarded utterances capable of misleading members of the public over the issue.
The statement said: “We have been watching with keen interest the unfolding events since September 5, 2014 when the scandal broke out and attempts by individuals and groups to bring CAN into the whole affair and wish to state clearly that CAN as a body does not have a private jet.
“This jet is owned by an individual and not CAN and such has nothing to do with the jet and its mission.
“Moreover, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor as the President of CAN has informed us formally of the area of his involvement in which he only leased the jet out and nothing more. Since it is not in his place to monitor who will hire the aircraft from the company, it does not follow to extend his role involvement beyond the point.
“Besides, the Federal Government has accepted responsibility of the transactions involving the jet in South Africa and as such it would be mischievous for anybody to scandalise the church and the CAN President over the whole issue.
“The Federal Government should be the one to be held responsible for any explanation on the circumstances surrounding the transaction.
“The seat of the CAN President is considered sacred and as such individuals, groups should desist from using uncomplimentary remarks and unwarranted attacks on the person of the man of God.
“We want to assure Nigerians that CAN remains focussed in its core objectives to act as a watch person of spiritual and moral welfare of the nation and promote understanding, peace and unity among the various people of Nigeria.
“We also want to plead with the Federal Government that this matter should be handled transparently so as not to give room for unnecessary suspicion.”
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