A cleric, Rt. Rev. Philip Adeyemo, has called for the election of a leader with high humility and genuine spiritual intent as the next president for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Adeyemo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Kwara, that the need for a leader who could not be easily subjected to unwarranted external influence informed the call. NAN reports that the tenure of the incumbent CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, ends in July paving way for the election of a new leader

Adeyemo, who is the Bishop of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Omu-Aran Diocese, Kwara State, noted that anybody who aspired for any position must be spiritually, ethically and theologically sound. He decried the situation where CAN administration was polarised along political affiliations and undue government interference contrary to laid down rules and regulations.

Adeyemo said that it was the Church belief that the situation would remain unchanged unless free and fair elections where God fearing and people of integrity, honesty were encouraged to hold offices. According to him, such a person should have nothing less than two-third of churches in Nigeria under its close supervision and should be a disciplined man who can pass the "temptation of money".

"CAN needs to be in its proper perspective so as to make it more relevant to our religious demand and beneficial to members. "The present situation of CAN in Nigeria actually needs a kind of rebirth; we have deviated from the teachings of Christ who wants us to be the light of the world and salt of the earth.

"More importantly, election into the position of CAN president should be devoid of any external interference for a reputable leader to emerge," he said. Adeyemo urged those aspiring for the exotic position to exhibit high sense of responsibilities by adhering strictly to all rules and regulation to achieve the desired objective.

He said that the anti-corruption crusade of the present administration was capable of achieving the desired economic transformation envisioned through the change mantra. The bishop therefore appealed to the Federal Government to make judicious use of the recovered funds to better the lots of Nigerians. (NAN)