BY JULIET NONYE
Kaduna
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja has urged the presidential candidates to shun campaign of calumny and character assassination of their opponents.
The Chairman, Northern CAN and FCT, Abuja, Rev Yakubu Pam made the call on Thursday at the prayer summit held in Kaduna with the theme ‘Managing Diversity In Electioneering Process; The Role Of Religious Leaders’.
“We urge all the presidential candidates 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”.
“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”.
“The time when Christians show apathy to political issues are over. We are all enjoin to come out en masse
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.
“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”.
