The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the upcoming general elections are trustworthy and devoid of violence.
In a statement on Friday, CAN exhorted Nigerians to thwart any attempts to sow discord and cynicism. The religious organisation asked that relevant authorities should step up security, particularly in communities that are attacked frequently, and to make sure that no citizen is denied their right to vote because of the shaky security conditions in some areas of the nation.
CAN charged security agencies to be unbiased and remain neutral, while discharging their duties, especially during the general elections.
It urged President Muhammadu Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, mitigate the Naira swap crisis, which CAN said is making life unbearable for all, according to a statement issued by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
Okoh said: “On behalf of the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, it is my honour and immense pleasure to join the call on citizens to resist any attempt to cause disharmony and disaffection ahead of the upcoming general elections.
“We must see the elections as a time of peaceful transition of leadership and not war. Consequently, there’s a need for all and sundry to put away religious and ethnic bigotry and allow the will of God to prevail. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must ensure that this election is seamless, credible, and violence-free. The Commission has no excuse to fail. Four years is enough time for it to have perfected the process and eliminated the glitches that featured in past polls.
“CAN urge all the political parties and candidates seeking elective positions during the forthcoming general elections to accept the results of the polls in good faith in the interest of Nigerians and the unity of the country. We note the current sufferings of the people which is gradually becoming unbearable due to the gross shortage of Naira notes in the system and plead with President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify efforts to mitigate the hardship”.
Okoh urged all faithful in the country not to relent in praying, adding that: Prayer is the most potent instrument of warfare at our disposal. Let us remind ourselves that the economic, political, and security situations in the country do not give joy to anyone, but keep our hopes alive at this time. We wish Nigerians peaceful 2023 general elections in advance”.
