Youths Alleges Ephesian Jesse Falsify Age To Contest YOWICAN Chairmanship

A Youth group, under the aegis of Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has written to the Taraba State chapter of CAN alleging that the chairman Mr. Ephesian Jesse falsify his age to contest as chairman of the group.

The group in a petition questions the eligibility of Mr. Ephesian Jesse, saying it is passionate to see that there is equity, justice and due process in regards to the operation of TEKAN and CAN Youth Organisation in the State.

According to the statement jointly signed by its members, the group explained that provision of the bylaws of YOWICAN categorized members in the age bracket of (age 12-17) as cadet members; (age 18-40) as ordinary members and (age 41-50) as extraordinary members. 

This, the group said, with the provision of law, Mr  Jesse is an extraordinary member and  therefore not qualified to contest the post as he is above 40 years of age. 

The letter sighted by our correspondent read in part: "Sir, the law states that only ordinary members out of these categories are allowed by the byelaws to vote and be voted for. It means that only those Youths that are within the ages of 18-40 years are allowed to contest any office of the organisation, any other person especially from the ages of 41-50 years are already out of the required age  stipulated by the byelaws.

"It is in the light of the above constitutional provision that, we write to challenge the age of Mr. Ephesian Jesse who by his first school leaving certificate was born in 1973 approximately 46 years now. 

"Another complication is that the declaration of age sworn by the same Ephesian Jesse dated 21^st day of October 2003 shows that Ephesian Jesse was born at Warwar on the 15^th day of January, 1975, which is about 44 years now. 

Sir, in view of the foregoing provision of the YOWICAN byelaws, Ephesian Jesse is an extraordinary member and is therefore disqualified by the provision of the law. See article 9 paragraph (e) of the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria byelaw. Attached is the copy of the byelaw.

Consequently, we challenge the eligibility aspiration of Mr. Ephesian Jesse to contest any office under the YOWICAN Taraba State Branch. We also challenge the process that brought Mr. Ephesian to contest under the TEKAN-ECWA.  

It should be noted that the Tekan-Ecwa has not formally adopted a consensus candidate but we heard and saw Mr Ephesian Jesse parading himself as the chairmanship candidate for Tekan - Ecwa in the coming YOWICAN election, Taraba state." 

However, the group urged the leadership of CAN Taraba state and Tekan-Ecwa to ensure the bye laws of YOWICAN is adhered to. 

"We are watching with keen interest. And would challenge whosoever emerges any position illegibly. So that the new CAN leadership will be sanitized and Taraba Christians can now see righteousness reign in the body of Christ." the letter added.