By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, kaduna..Tracereporters –Ahead of 2023 general elections, the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Northern Nigeria and FCT, Rev Dr.Yakubu Pam has advised all the Presidential Candidates not to take the elections as do or die affair, urging them to shun campaign of calumny and character assassination of their opponents.
He gave the advised at a prayer summit organized by the body holden from 14th to through to 16th December, 2022 at the Catholic Social Center Kaduna.
It has as its theme: ‘Managing Diversity in an Electioneering Process:The
Role of the Religious Leaders.’
Pam who is also the Executive Secretary of Pilgrimage Board said the theme was apt as it suggests clearly the reason why the ‘Christian leaders are here.’
The Northern CAN chairman noted that the time was gone when Christians showed apathy towards political matters.
According to him, “Christians should all come out enmasse and participate in the electioneering process of our democracy, because it is the only way we can produce good leaders of our choice to lead us at different levels.”
He added, “Christians should come out as never before to vote and be voted for in the forthcoming general election in February, 2023.
“It is expected that every eligible Christian should take it upon himself or herself to register with INEC and should
not stop there, rather should ensure that he or she gets the PVC so that they can participate in the voting process.
“The government whether at the Federal or state levels should be proactive in addressing challenges and conflicts
that might arise before, during and post-election period.
“The government has a role to play in ensuring smooth electioneering campaign and smooth transition without
bloodbath.
“It is equally the responsibility of the government to ensure a level playing field for all the candidates of all the
political parties and voters so that at the end of the day we can have a credible election that could be accepted by
Nigerians and the international community.
“Aside the government, all the major stakeholders who have stake in the election should work in synergy and
handle issues promptly without delay.
“The government cannot do it alone, even the citizenry have their own role
to play by making sure that the election is not marred with violence. They should shun all forms of criminality, violence and disturbances during the election.
“To all intents and purposes, it is therefore pertinent at this juncture to affirm that the interest of the Northern Christians as far as the 2023 general election is concerned is nothing but to promote the unity of the north in
particular and by implication Nigeria as a whole.
“The unity which guarantees inter faith harmony and peaceful co-existence should be our pride, regardless of *our* political leanings and affiliations.
“Importantly, the Northern Christians are also interested more in good governance, equity, justice and fair play for the citizenry.
“We congratulate all our leading presidential candidates for so far they have traversed the length and breadth of this country canvassing for votes from the electorates.
“We therefore urge all of them to set their eyes on the ball by being focus and should not be distracted. They should strive to address the issues of the economy and proffer solutions.
“Above all, they should shun campaign
of calumny and character assassination of their opponents.”
He said his convinced that the Prayer Summit is timely and auspicious as it is taking place barely few months before the 2023 general election.
He however welcome all the state CAN officials in the 19 Northern states and FCT as well as the Executive members of the Northern CAN to the strategic prayer
summit.
Please Subscribe, Like and Share.
