The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has described as troubling, the news about the seeming relegation of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

There have been reports about a feud between Osinbajo and the Presidency cabal which saw to the sacking of 35 aides to the vice president last week.

The vice president’s responsibilities have also been reduced in the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari as the economic advisory council he headed was dissolved while the Social Investment Programme was removed from his purview.

The Special Assistant on Media and Communications to CAN President, Rev. Adebayo Oladeji, while speaking with Newsmen on Sunday said Osinbajo, who is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, had not told the association about any rift between himself and the President.

He, however, said there was no smoke without fire. In his word, “Both Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the President have told the whole world that the Presidency is one and that there is no division. That, we believe, and Prof. Osinbajo has never told CAN that he has a problem with his principal.

“So, as far as we are concerned, there is no crisis between them until we are told otherwise. Be that as it may, we are not happy with what we hear. It is said that in every rumor, there is an element of truth. So, if there is any problem between them, we advise them to resolve it.

“If it has to do with 2023 politics, we advise the warring camps to sheathe their swords because 2023 is still far away. It is only God that knows who will be there. We are so much in a hurry. We just held elections this year.”

The CAN spokesman who urged the government in power to focus on more serious matters than playing politics added that “The Vice-President and his principal were just re-elected for a new term and have yet to fulfil their campaign promises. The ruling party should sit up and look at how to fulfil their promises rather than focusing on 2023.”

In another development, Rev Oladeji has reacted to the expulsion of two corps members by the National Youth Service Corps in Ebonyi State.

Two female corps members – Okafor Love Obianuju, with call-up number EB/19C/0523; and Odji Oritsetsolaye, with call-up number EB/19C/0530 – were expelled from the 2019 Batch C Stream 1 in Ebonyi camp over the weekend for refusing to wear trousers, citing religious reasons.

While Speaking with Newsmen on Sunday, Rev Oladeji, said the two women should not be victimized for holding to their religious views.

He said the NYSC also ought to be more tolerant. The cleric said who said the NYSC needs to be more tolerant explained that, “The fundamental rights of the people as regards religion must be respected. And that is why a few months ago, when some Muslim women were protesting over the wearing of hijab at the Law School, we refused to speak against it because it is their right and thank God they won.

“We are appealing to the leadership of the NYSC to revisit the matter. In this country, religious right is an inalienable right that must be respected. They must allow the people to practice their religion and religious practices,” he added.