The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday appealed to Nigerians to help in curbing the menace of irate youths and political thugs in order to ensure peaceful elections this month.
Its North-East Zonal Chairman, Rev. Shuaibu Byel, who spoke at a news conference in Bauchi, said that the present apprehension of political violence was becoming alarming.
Byel explained that the purpose of the news conference was to mobilize, educate and sensitize Nigerians on the need to eschew utterances and actions capable of inflaming the polity.
“The main purpose of this conference is to mobilize, educate and sensitize Christians and the generality of Nigeria populace to avoid utterances and actions which can blow into flames the already prevailing insecurity of lives and property.
“To rub minds and set mechanisms that would address the present volatile political terrain as a result of the ongoing political campaigns.
“The fear and apprehension of political violence is the concern of all lovers of Nigeria and unity of her people.
“All meaningful Nigerians must work to prevent and cub the threats of irate youths and political thugs.”
Byel said that steps must be taken to prevent the recurrence of the 2011 post-election violence that led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.
He expressed concern that 55 years after independence, Nigeria was yet to work out a workable political arrangement based on fairness, equity and justice that would sustain its unity.
The CAN chairman also expressed worry that religions, which should have been an effective tool for facilitating peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, had become a means of division and violence.
“It is of great concern that over half a century of independence, Nigeria is yet to invent a workable political arrangement that guarantees, nuture and sustain a truly united, peaceful and prosperous nation, routed in fairness, equality and justice.
“Regrettably, religion which ought to constitute a reliable vehicle to drive and facilitate the realisation of peaceful coexistence, in recent times, has become a major factor and source of insecurity, bitterness, rancour, fear, suspicion, civil unrest and underdevelopment.”
According to him, the association do not identify with any party or candidate, adding that all that is expected from politicians and their supporters was to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship.
“We equally want them to say no to all forms of violence and ensure that people live in peace, justice and harmony,” he said.
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