The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has taken the decision to suspend Pastor Raphael Opawoye, who serves as the Secretary of the organization, following allegations of insubordination and tarnishing the reputation of the association.

The suspension was formally communicated to Pastor Opawoye through a Letter of Suspension, which was signed by the State Acting Secretary, Very Revd. Goodseed Ekeleme. The letter was read during an Executive Council meeting of CAN.

As a result of the suspension, CAN has requested a replacement to be appointed from the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) bloc, which Pastor Opawoye represented. The association has set a deadline for the appointment to be made before the end of June.

The suspension serves as a disciplinary measure taken by CAN in response to the alleged misconduct by Pastor Opawoye. By appointing a replacement, the association aims to ensure the continued smooth functioning of its operations and uphold its integrity within the Christian community in Niger State.

The letter said, “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 yours, which have continued to prove detrimental to the growth of CAN in Niger State and jeopardize our integrity as followers of Jesus.

Despite our repeated efforts and appeals for you to align your actions with our common purpose, you have persistently chosen to disregard them.

“Where you have been given clear instructions regarding specific assignments, you have repeatedly disregarded either verbal and or written guidelines, choosing instead your personal interest over the interest of CAN, thereby misrepresenting and jeopardizing the common goal and good of the entire CAN. ”

Furthermore, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stated that the Secretary had repeatedly concealed the truth on various matters, demonstrating acts of insubordination and displaying a complete disregard for the authority entrusted to him. These actions were characterized by a lack of accountability and a reckless attitude.

The state chapter of CAN acknowledged that the Secretary’s behavior had cast a negative light on the association. After engaging in prayerful consideration and thoughtful discussions, it was decided that an indefinite suspension would be imposed on the Secretary, effectively immediately. As a result of this decision, the Secretary’s role within the state chapter of CAN has been terminated.

This disciplinary action reflects the association’s commitment to upholding its values and maintaining a positive reputation. By suspending the Secretary, CAN aims to address the misconduct and ensure that its leadership operates in a manner consistent with the principles and expectations of the organization.

“You are hereby asked to desist from speaking for, acting on behalf of the Niger State CAN in any capacity no matter the minuscule”.