THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies not allow themselves to be used by politicians to rig the forthcoming general elections.
This is contained in Communique issued by the Christian Apex body at the end of its first quarter meeting held in Abuja.
The Communique signed by Special Assistant Media and Communications to the CAN President Pastor Adebayo Oladeji also expressed doubt if the elections in some Northern part of the country would be free and fair following continued Boko Haram attacked the region.
The Association while commending President Muhammadu Buhari on his fight against corruption also urged him to follow due process and respect the principle of Separation of Power.
The Communique reads: The Christian Association of Nigeria acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government, military and other security agencies in fighting insurgency and all criminal activities in the country including kidnapping and armed robbery among others.
“The Association, however, observes that the present efforts of the government in providing security is not yielding the needed results as wanton killings have continued, especially in some States in the northern part of the country. Boko Haram appeared to have resurrected again, decimating communities in Borno and Yobe States, in particular, not sparing soldiers. This resurgence of insecurity in the Northeast portends danger for the forthcoming general elections if efforts at curtailing it are not increased. Many voters might be disenfranchised from voting.
“The Association commends President Muhammadu Buhari for the continuous reassurance that all will be done by the government to make the forthcoming general elections free, fair and credible. We at the same time implore Mr President to make sure that all these promises are transformed into reality through concrete efforts that would prevent violence and other electoral malpractices.
“The Association calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police and other security agents not to make themselves available to be used for rigging or any form of electoral malpractice by the politicians. No voter or election observer must be intimidated or harassed throughout the period of the election. We equally urge politicians to run away from vote buying while the electorates should not allow anybody to buy their votes. If you sell your vote, you sell your future.
“We reaffirm our support for all efforts of government geared towards stamping out corruption from our country. We, however, caution that efforts geared towards stamping out corruption from Nigeria must follow due process of the law while the independence of each arm of government for peace and harmony in the society must be well maintained. Wisdom and caution should be applied by those in government and other Nigerians in all that we do so that our actions and speeches might not set our nation on fire at this crucial period of election.
“We urge all Nigerians to continue praying fervently for peaceful and credible elections in our country and to walk circumspectly. The Lord who answers prayer will hear our cries and lead Nigeria to a more glorious future in the name of Jesus.
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