The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kogi state chapter yesterday charged Christians in the state to shun all forms of violence that can jeopardise government effort to achieve credible elections, urging Nigerians to pray for peaceful general elections.
The state’s Chairman of CAN, Dr John Ibenu, made the call at the 2019 CAN executive election, held at the Chapel of Freedom International, Lokoja.
Ibenu, who was re-elected as Kogi state CAN chairman, glorified God for his re-election, saying: ‘’It is a trust and sign to re-double his effort to serving the people more. It is God who gave me the opportunity and I give him the glory’’.
He urged Christians to turn out massively and vote for candidates of their choice in the forth coming elections.
The cleric advised Christians to shun all acts of electoral violence and malpractice that can jeopardise government effort in ensuring that there are peaceful elections.
‘’All Christians are enjoined to vote for only candidates that stand for their values of righteousness, peace, joy, security, job creation, unity and progress of Nigerians.
‘’CAN calls on INEC and all that will work in their name to make sure they do what is right, godly, free, fair and credible. CAN demands that no political party should foment any trouble or encourage their followers to foment trouble.
‘’They should remember that God will bring all their works and actions to judgement now or sooner than later,’’ Ibenu said.
He urged all security agencies to remain neutral and protect lives and property, as well as allow voters to cast their votes without intimidation and molestations.
The chairman enjoined Nigerians, especially Christians to continue to pray for peaceful elections, saying, ‘’we are our brothers’ keepers, we must be at peace.’’
In his remark , the CAN Chairman, North Central Zone, Dr Israel Akanji, said the reward for good work was more work, saying the excos had done well.
He said: ‘’Four out of five former principal Kogi CAN officers re-elected, that means they have given the state acceptable and responsible leadership. It is quite encouraging and overwhelming to the point that they were returned unopposed.’’
