The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a firm directive to all its Zonal, State, and Local Government chapters, urging them to refrain from making public statements on national issues without clearance from the national leadership.
According to the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, only the national body, headed by the President, is constitutionally empowered to speak on matters of national and international importance on behalf of the Association.
In a statement issued to newsmen Archbishop Okoh emphasized the need to maintain organizational discipline and prevent misinformation in public discourse.
“The authority to issue official press statements on behalf of CAN resides solely with the President, as stipulated in the CAN constitution,” Okoh stated. “While zonal, state, and local chapters may issue communications relevant to their immediate contexts, they are not authorised to issue statements representing the national position of CAN unless expressly permitted by the national leadership.”
The clarification comes on the heels of a recent statement by Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who condemned what he described as “misleading and false” reports concerning Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu. The incident sparked public outcry and raised concerns about the politicisation of the religious body.
Rev. Hayab had defended Seyi Tinubu, stating that, “Spreading lies against anyone should not be encouraged because it is not acceptable in our culture and religion.” His comments, however, drew attention to the need for official boundaries regarding who may speak for CAN at the national level.
Archbishop Okoh stressed that such incidents underscore the importance of adhering to CAN’s structured hierarchy to ensure clear, accurate, and unified communication.
“CAN operates a four-tier structure,” he explained. “At the national level, the association is headquartered in Abuja and led by the President and the National Executive Council (NEC), while the General Assembly ratifies significant decisions, including the election of the President.”
He elaborated that CAN is structured into six geopolitical zones at the zonal level, each coordinated by a Zonal Chairman and Executive Committee. At the state level, the Association maintains chapters in all 36 states and the FCT, led by State Chairmen. At the grassroots, Local Government Councils operate across all 774 LGAs and report to their respective state chapters.
“These structures are designed to facilitate coordination, implementation of national directives, and unity within the Christian community across Nigeria,” Okoh noted. “However, only the national body is authorised to set and communicate the official stance of CAN on national matters.”
He added that the national leadership had observed a rise in public statements credited to unrecognized entities such as “Northern CAN” or “Southern CAN,” clarifying that these names do not exist within CAN’s constitutional framework.
“Any statements issued by such groups do not reflect the official position of CAN and should be disregarded by the public and the media,” he cautioned.
Okoh urged media organizations and the general public to verify any communication attributed to CAN by checking with the National Secretariat or confirming that it is signed by the President or his designated representative.
“This will help prevent misinformation and preserve the integrity of CAN’s official voice,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming CAN’s commitment to Christian unity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible communication.
“CAN remains unwavering in its commitment to Christian unity and peaceful coexistence throughout Nigeria. The Association appreciates the continued support of the public and urges all to rely only on information released through verified and official channels.”