Ekiti Governor, Ayo Fayose, has reacted to a statement by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Dr Samson Ayokunle, that the organisation did not endorse his 2019 presidential ambition.
CAN had explained that the letter which contained the endorsement and signed by Rev Dr. Musa Asake, was done in his personal capacity and not as the body’s General Secretary.
CAN said: “In the letter, Dr Asake stated it there clearly that it was his personal letter. This contradicts the impression being given by the media that CAN had endorsed the Governor.
“There was no time CAN or the President of CAN authorized such a letter. It was the personal opinion of the General Secretary.
“However, anyone who wants to run for any political office in Nigeria has our goodwill in CAN and we would be praying for them if he or she is well qualified to contest, including the respectable Governor Fayose.
“Our prayer to God is to always get a godly, a detribalized and peace loving leader presiding over the affairs of the country.”
Speaking on the development, Fayose’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, said Fayose is not disturbed by the discordant tunes in the Christian body.
A statement he signed read: “Our attention has been drawn to news report with the above title (CAN denies endorsing Fayose)”.
“We wish to thank the CAN President, Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle for acknowledging that there was indeed a letter written to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose by the CAN National General Secretary, Rev Musa Asake in which the statement credited to CAN was made.
“We are also glad that the CAN President acknowledged that Governor Fayose is respectable and qualified to contest for the President of Nigeria, and we appreciate the goodwill and prayers of CAN.
“Governor Fayose holds CAN in very high esteem and will continue to rely on prayers from the association and its members to further his dream of leading Nigeria and making it a country that we will all be proud of.”