The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the 2023 general elections are free, fair and credible.
The Christian body also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure a peaceful transition at the end of his tenure in 2023, adding that it is the enduring legacy he will leave behind.
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This was disclosed in a communique signed by the Chairman of the religious body, Reverend Yakubu Pam and its Secretary General, Elder Sunday Oibe. It was issued after the group’s National Executive Council Meeting (NEC) in Kaduna.
According to the group, those who mismanaged the economy are using hunger as a weapon as the 2023 general election approaches.
The clergymen called on government at all levels to address the problem of poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
“We call on Nigerians to ensure that the 2023 elections are conducted under a peaceful atmosphere without rancor. The election is not war. No politician is worth dying for. No one should take the laws into his or her hands.
“Political actors must play politics according to the rules of the game, devoid of rancor. Party leaders, flag bearers, party members, supporters, and fans must conduct themselves with decorum and focus their campaigns on how they intend to address the myriads of problems bedeviling the country.
“Northern CAN also wishes to call on the youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence by any politician. Note that the children of some of these politicians who recruit the youth as thugs, are schooling abroad. Parents should caution their children against being recruited as hooligans by politicians.”
The group expressed deep concern about the prolonged strike by ASUU with a call on the university teachers and the federal government to resolve their differences in the best interest of the nation and the future of our children.
On insecurity, Northern CAN commended the gallant military and other security agencies for the ongoing efforts to crush bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements unleashing mayhem on Nigerians, especially in the north.
They also expressed happiness with the release of the remaining 23 abducted victims of the March 28 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train.
