Delta CAN Joins One Man, One Vote Campaign

ASABA, JUNE 23, (THEWILL) - As the 2011 gets closer, the executive members, Delta State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its Chairman, Archbishop God-do-Well Awomakpa and the Secretary, Rev. Palmer Melekwe joined other Nigerians on the crusade of One Man, One Vote in next year's general election.
According to the Association who paid a courtesy visit to the State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan today said the visit to Uduaghan was an initiative to ensure that it produces peaceful, credible and acceptable elections.

Speaking on behalf of the CAN delegation during the visit at the Exco chambers, Government House, Asaba, CAN scribe, Rev. Palmer Melekwe implored the governor to ensure that voters registration be made accessible to Christians and the general public.

"The utmost desire of CAN is to ensure that Delta State conducts the most credible and peaceful elections in the country", adding that the era of stealing and running away with ballot boxes is over.

Rev. Melekwe disclosed that CAN was determined to ensure that an unbeliever, corrupt and insensitive politician would not occupy position of authority any more, stressing that CAN appreciated the governor for demonstrating that the Church in the State belongs to his constituency by appointing some of her members into official positions.

While using the opportunity to present the Association’s request to the governor to include the upgrading of the office of Special Adviser on Religious affairs, Rev. Godspower Agbudua to a Ministry, CAN expressed its desire for its members to be appointed into the state cabinet as well as increase in the number of slots given to CAN by the Christian Pilgrim Board adding that "we are using this opportunity to remind you that no CAN member has been appointed into your cabinet."

Rev Melekwe remarked that the Governor has always given them audience, supported the association and its programmes financially, and in many other ways.

In his response, Governor Uduaghan however assured the clerics that his administration would conduct free and fair elections adding that the state belongs to God and will continue to recognize God in all its endeavours. "The success recorded so far in the state has the fingers of God in it, nobody dares come to Government House to suggest things or give advice that is not godly. I can assure you that in the past three years nobody has come to suggest or give any ungodly advice to me because they know our stand."

The Governor who commended Christian leaders in the state for their concern and participation in the management of the state to ensure the success of his administration promised to meet the request of the association and announced an increase in the slot given to CAN members for Jerusalem Pilgrims from 40 to 100.

Dr. Uduaghan while appreciating Christian leaders in the state for being involved in the management of the state through praying, fasting and ensuring peace and security in the state, disclosed that most religious bodies and leaders have keyed into the empowerment programme of the government to help improve the welfare of Deltans which in turn has boosted the economy of the state.