Three gubernatorial candidates in Taraba State have criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State, for endorsing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Kefas Agbu as the choice for Christians in the state.
The trio of All Progressives Congress (APC)’ Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, Danladi Baidu Tijo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Labour Party (LP)’s Joel Dalami Ikenya DP ana Joel Dalami Ikenya.
The grieving governorship hopefuls unanimously made the condemnation while briefing newsmen in Jalingo.
APC’s Bwacha noted that the statement by CAN to that effect only tends to divide the church. He described the state chairman of the religious body as an employee of the Taraba State Government.
Bwacha said they came out to contest individually for all Tarabans from whom they will choose but not as candidates of any religion.
He advised Tarabans to discountenance such shenanigans saying: “most of the Pastors and Malams are involved in dubious acts and what they tell people is not what they do.” He further revealed that a group of Muslims in the state are also clamouring for a Muslim governor.
“Religion is between man and God but Taraba CAN joined the State Government to cover failures,” said Bwacha, reminding CAN that there is a “judgement day” when they will want to come back to earth to amend their deeds but would not be privileged to.
The governorship candidate of the SDP, Jijo accused Taraba CAN of collecting N50m gratification from the PDP candidate to endorse him.
Tijo said: ” I am highly disappointed for people who called themselves men of God but they don’t fear God my heart bleeds.” He maintained that the PDP candidate is not better than any of them and as devoted Christians they would not allow anyone to play pranks on them.
He, however, thanked God that CAN has already seen the reactions of the people including their fellow clergymen.
Baidu described the CAN-endorsed candidate as a political novice who does not know the wards in his constituency and cannot come closer to them.
The SDP governorship candidate said the three of them have a good understanding as grounded politicians and that “we will embrace any of us that becomes the Governor we want somebody who knows Taraba State very well to come and rule somebody that is a true Taraban, not someone that will come rule Taraba State and go away”.
Express Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya described Taraba CAN as a Parastatals of the State Government noting that the people of Taraba are more divided than ever before.
Labour Party’s Senator Ikenya said he is ashamed that CAN has gone out of the way in identifying with the state government that has not commissioned any project, pensioners are in disarray and nothing is moving well.
“We want Taraba State to be ruled by a good person not to be remotely controlled we are for everybody and the people have the right to choose anybody we are committed to the people of Taraba State and determined to rescue the rescuer,” he said.
“We are matured and we don’t know of any endorsement let the people choose the candidate of their choice” he further said.
