By Abubakar Yunusa

A The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has elected new executives, with Rev. Joseph Habap emerging as Chairman.

The new leadership will oversee the association’s affairs for the next five years.

In his acceptance speech during the unopposed election in Abuja, Rev. Habap reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, unity, and transparency.

He emphasised that his administration would not be driven by greed but by service to the Christian community and Nigeria as a whole.

“We will not allow greed to take over our conscience. We will always be proud of you, and we will make you proud. I want my children to grow up and be proud of their father, son, and son-in-law with integrity,” he said.

He stressed that CAN is an organisation for Christians, believers, Nigerian unity, and progress. He assured members that his leadership would foster dialogue and cooperation with churches across different denominations.

Rev. Habap acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing leadership and called on them to support the new administration. He urged Christian leaders to respect leadership transitions and avoid conflicts during handovers.

“This was not a coup. It was simply a day for them to leave. If we start respecting leadership transitions, we will set a good example for others. Unlike the political class that seeks tenure elongation, we will serve our term and leave,” he stated.

He also underscored the role of the church in promoting truth, peace, and unity, assuring that CAN would engage constructively with the government without hostility.

“We will speak truth to power, but we are not enemies of the government. We want every administration to succeed, and we will contribute to that success by offering honest counsel,” he added.

Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), congratulated the new CAN leadership and reiterated the importance of religious harmony.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting both Christian and Muslim communities.

“Mr. President is not a religious bigot. What he promised Muslims, he has also done for Christians. We have ensured that chairmen from all states can participate in pilgrimages free of charge. Nigeria remains one indivisible entity, and we must stay together,” he said.

He further urged prayers for the country’s leadership, adding that his office would continue to promote interfaith relations in line with the president’s vision.

Some of the newly elected officials include:Chairman: Rev. Joseph John Habap,Vice Chairman: Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson TEKAN (ECWA, FCT),Secretary: Bishop Mohammed Naga (PFN/CPFN, Borno State),Assistant Secretary: Ven. Tajudeen Azeeze Afolabi (OAIC Bloc, Zamfara State),
Treasurer: Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo (CSN Bloc, Plateau State), and Director, National Issues: Pastor Dr. Simon A.S Dolly (CCN Bloc, Nasarawa State)

The new leadership has pledged to strengthen CAN’s presence in Abuja, ensuring that Northern CAN is more visible at the national level.

A magistrate court in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos has acquitted popular musician Naira Marley in relation to the death of Mohbad, his former signee.

In a ruling on Tuesday, Ejiro Kubenji, the magistrate, said Naira Marley had no case to answer based on the legal advice issued by the directorate of public prosecution (DPP) in Lagos.

The court also freed music promoter Sam Larry (Samson Balogun), Owodunni ‘Primeboy’ Ibrahim and Mohbad’s former manager Opere Babatunde.

However, the DPP announced that it will prosecute Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad, and Ayobami Sadiq, one of Mohbad’s friends, for reckless and negligent acts contrary to Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

On September 12, 2023, Mohbad died under mysterious circumstances. His demise stirred up controversies on social media with several calls and cries for justice from colleagues and fans.

In October 2023, Marley and Larry were arrested over allegations that they were involved in the death of Mohbad.

They were released on bail in November same year after spending over five weeks in detention.

The Lagos police earlier declared Ogedengbe the auxiliary nurse who injected Mohbad, as “the prime suspect” in the singer’s death.

Mohbad died after receiving an injection administered by the auxiliary nurse.

Idowu Owohunwa, the Lagos state police commissioner, said Ogedengbe “administered multiple and highly potent injections which triggered an immediate reaction that eventually occasioned the death of Mohbad”.

The commissioner said the injections, consisting of tetanus toxoid, paracetamol, and ceftriaxone injection (IV) were administered at Mohbad’s residence.