From VICTOR GAI, Jalingo
The Concerned Mumuye Youth and the Mumuye Youth Cultural Development Association (MYCDA), has frowned at the role played by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during the recently held by- election for Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency.
The two groups barred their minds during a world press conference recently in Jalingo where they criticised CAN for double standards.
According to the spokesman of the group, Alison Lazere, CAN deliberately switched their support for Innocent Jabayang of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the PDP candidate, Sadiq Tafida after initially endorsing him.
The group therefore warned the association to “steer clear” of the February 14 re-run elections in some polling units.
The group stated: “The by- election had among the leading candidates, a hardworking and well-loved Mumuye son, Hon. Innocent Umar Jabayang (a candidate of the Social Democratic Party -SDP. In line with his competence, capacity, and character, he became a household name in the constituency and the favorite for the seat. This attracted the admiration and endorsement of several individuals, groups, and associations for him, typical is the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Taraba State Chapter. This became a great boost for his movement and we still appreciate them for that.
“A few hours to the election, a new twist dawned in which appeals were made to Hon. Innocent Umar Jabayang to step down as the candidate of the PDP. Sadly enough, CAN made such an appeal and when our candidate expressed his dissatisfaction with such a request, CAN unethically released a circular withdrawing their endorsement of Hon. Innocent Umar Jabayang and calling on all Christians to support the candidate of the PDP.
“From the foregoing, we condemn in strong terms the recent activities of CAN, especially in relation to the by-election in the state. We are passing a vote of no confidence on the current leadership of CAN in the state and calling on them to steer clear of any form of interference before, during, and after the rerun election scheduled for Wednesday 14th February 2024.
They also appealed to Gov. Agbu Kefas to allow for a level playing ground during the polls.
The group added: “While we thank His Excellency, Governor Agbu Kefas for his continuous love for the Mumuye people, we urge him to stay true to the political marriage between the Jukun and Mumuye people while providing level grounds for the candidates in the rerun election. Let the will of the people prevail which will bring the development his Excellency desires for the state.
The group also pledged to resist any “any attempt to subvert the will of the people ” and also called on the people to come out en masse and vote their candidate, Innocent Jabayang of the PDP.
But in his reaction to the allegation, the State CAN Chairman, Rev. Jerapye, in a harsh tone, took the group to the gutters. He said: “You can tell them to blame more than that my brother. I dont have time for them. Tell them they should speak all the nonsense they want to say about CAN, no problem… “
