Choral Competition: Nwifuru Reaffirms Support for Nwokolo Led CAN Administration in Ebonyi

Ebonyi state government has reiterated its support for Rev. Scamb Nwokolo's leadership of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, stressing that it does not recognize any other CAN group.

Governor Francis Nwifuru made the reaffirmation on Thursday at the ecumenical centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital.

He spoke during the 2024 Easter choral competition organised by the state chapter of the Association.

Nwifuru who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, said he holds CAN in very high esteem and would not condone anyone sowing discord in the body.

He noted that it was only the Nwokolo's led CAN that the government recognizes and would continue to work with, describing any splinter group as mere detractors.

Nwifuru said: "the CAN in Ebonyi State, the Governor holds you in very high esteem, and government is aware of pockets of distractions here and there.

"But the governors position is that the government has no intention to interfere with the leadership of CAN.

"And we will never accept any leadership that came through any other means, than that which is recognized by the national body of CAN.

Speaking on the event, the Governor said it was only the resurrection of Jesus that gave meaning to Christianity, and appreciated CAN for the initiative which he described as the best way to celebrate Easter.

In a brief exhortation by Rev. Daniel Ukor of the Triumphant True Worshippers Assembly, he enjoined Christian to live their lives reflective of the power of God which resurrected Jesus Christ from the dead.

He regretted the rot in the present day society and noted that the politicians were not the problem of Nigeria but the Church which has failed in her responsibilities.

He further enjoined Christians and the Church in general to return to God in sincerity, purge itself of mutual antagonism and pray in unity so as to unlock the many blessings God has in store for the nation.

Speaking to Newsmen, the CAN chairman restated that there was actually no leadership crises in Ebonyi CAN, adding that what seemed like crisis was mere distractions by few individuals who wanted to constitute a clog in wheel of progress of the association.

He appreciated the Governor for his fatherly disposition which he noted, has added greater impetus to the affirmation of the national CAN leadership.

Nwokolo enjoined Christians to continue to intercede for the state with unity of purpose, adding that it was the prayers of the faithful that has continued to nurture unity and progress in Nigeria in spite of many odds.

The choral event featured performances from some guest choirs, soloists trumpeters and Xylophonists.

Five different Choirs representing the five blocs of CAN competed for the trophies.

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) bloc choir took the first position while the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) and the TEKAN/ ECWA blocs clinched second and 3rd positions respectively in the competition.

Recall that the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezurike had earlier conveyed this position of the government to CAN in a letter dated February 26, 2024.