2006 Census Controversy: Northern CAN Lacks Power To Question Odimegwu’s Query, Says Christian Group

FESTUS ODIMEGWU, NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION (NPC) CHAIRMAN
FESTUS ODIMEGWU, NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION (NPC) CHAIRMAN

The recent call by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the northern states and Abuja that the Federal Government should apologize to the National Population Commission, NPC chairman, Festus Odimegwu for issuing him a query over his utterances on the 2006 census, has been described as ‘unhealthy’ and wrong.

A group, Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAIN) while dissociating itself from the position of the northern CAN, maintained that if Mr. Odimegwu was found wanting in his conduct as a public officer, he should be sacked just as it berated CAN for playing the ethno- religious card.

The group, in a statement signed by its spokesman Mr. Anthony Aribi reads in part, “The statement by Northern CAN is not a reflection of what Christians in the North stand for as far as this contentious issue is concerned.

“It is not CAN that appointed Odimegwu as chairman of NPC and it does not have powers to question his query. The purported statement credited to Odimegwu if found to be true is clearly a sign of sheer insensitivity on the part of a public officer.

“We suggest an honest investigation to prove the veracity of the allegation. There is no further need in raising side attractions using CAN as an attack dog for Odimegwu simply because he is a Christian.

“We make bold to say it is unhealthy to always drag CAN into unnecessary controversies that do not in anyway tally with its ideals. We are appealing to the national leadership of CAN to caution its officials,” the group said.

 

 

 

 

1 COMMENT

  1. CAN, Nigerians are more wiser than u think. U’re accelerating faster than normal in to governmental issues or u want to make nigerians believe u’re been bribe all d time 4 dis ungoals concern. Abi una want smuggle government in ur pocket. enough is enough.