Rev. Kallamu Ali Dikwa, a prominent figure in the Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN), Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (CBN), Borno State, has accused officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), particularly Rev. Dr. John Bogna Bakeni, the CAN Borno State chapter chairman, of exploiting the Christian faith for personal gain and betraying their responsibilities.
Rev. Dikwa alleges that the CAN officials, who are not indigenous to Borno State, prioritize financial interests over justice and the spiritual well-being of Christians in the region.
He claims that despite the marginalization of Christians by the state Governor, Prof. Babagana Zullum, the CAN chairman, Rev. Dr. Bakeni, denied the existence of challenges faced by Christians in a recent press conference.
Expressing disappointment, Rev. Dikwa criticizes the CAN chairman for what he perceives as dishonesty and accuses him of neglecting the interests of the Christian community.
He questions the sincerity of the CAN chairman’s statements, emphasizing the importance of unity within the Church and the role of CAN in addressing issues affecting Christians.
In his statement, Rev. Dikwa highlights the imbalance in government appointments, pointing out that out of 29 appointees, only one is a Christian.
He questions the CAN chairman’s support for the governor despite this disparity, suggesting that financial gain may be a motivating factor.
Rev. Dikwa also reveals details of his interactions with Rev. Dr. Bakeni, alleging that they had discussed the issues he raised in his press releases about Governor Zulum.
According to him, the CAN chairman had acknowledged the validity of the concerns but later distanced himself, even resorting to involving security agencies.
The statement reveals, with a call for national CAN intervention, asserting that the Borno State chapter, under Rev. Dr. Bakeni’s leadership, has commercialized the system for personal gain.
Rev. Dikwa urges a thorough investigation into the allegations and expresses a willingness to engage in a media interview to shed light on the situation.
