The Niger State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has suspended its Secretary, Pastor Raphael Opawoye.
In a press statement made available to newsmen by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to CAN chairman, Mr. Dan Atori, the secretary was suspended for alleged insubordination and misrepresenting the association, which were against its principles and values.
The suspension letter signed by the state Acting Secretary of the association, Very Revd. Goodseed Ekeleme, read in part: “Since your nomination and confirmation as CAN Secretary, you have consistently acted contrary to our stated guidelines, often acting alone and without authorization from the executive body.
“Over the past year, we have brought to your awareness patterns of behaviour and activities of yourself, which have continued to prove detrimental to the growth of CAN in Niger State and jeopardise our integrity as followers of Jesus Christ.
“You have, however, continued to disregard our efforts and entreat us to act based on our shared call.
“Where you have been given clear instructions regarding specific assignments, you have repeatedly disregarded either verbal or written guidelines, choosing instead your personal interest over the interest of CAN, thereby misrepresenting and jeopardising the common goal and good of the entire CAN. “
The letter also stated that the secretary had severally concealed the truth and exhibited acts of insubordination with total disregard for the constituted authority and with reckless abandon.
While disclosing that the actions of the secretary have reflected negatively on CAN, the religious body said, “After prayerful and careful deliberations, we have decided to suspend you from your role as Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State Chapter, indefinitely with immediate effect.
“You are hereby asked to desist from speaking for or acting on behalf of the Niger State CAN in any capacity, no matter how minuscule”.
Furthermore, the body, while saying it had notified the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, the bloc where the Secretary represents, urged them to send a replacement as soon as possible.