The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) have called on political actors and electorate in Kogi to shun all forms of violence and work for peaceful election on November 16.
Leaders of the two religious bodies made the call in Lokoja at a one day workshop organised they jointly organized with the theme: “The Fear of God as a Panacea for Peaceful and Transparent Election “.
Chairman of CAN in Kogi, Bishop John Ibenu, in his address said politicians and all stakeholders in the electoral process must imbibe the fear of God as that remains the only avenue to actualise the much needed peaceful election in the state.
He explained that without the fear of God man is bound to do evil, adding that “In this election, let us all choose the right, the fear of God and uphold transparency”.
On his part, the State Chairman of JNI, Amb. Usman Bello, said Islam and Christianity both preach peace, and therefore urged politicians and the electorate who mostly belong to either of the two faiths to imbibe peace before, during and after the election.
He urged officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be transparent and fair in all their dealings during the forthcoming election.
In his lecture on the theme of the workshop, Sheikh Usman Taidi, said political and electoral violence pose threat to the legitimacy of election and therefore urged all stakeholders to provide a peaceful atmosphere for credible and transparent Election.
He said for peaceful election to be achieved, the electoral umpire must be unbiased, candidates must observe decorum in their utterances; the security agencies must provide adequate time while the government of the day must ensure enabling environment for the election.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kogi, Prof James Apam, while commending the religious bodies for the initiative, assures of the Commission’s readiness to deliver free and fair election in Kogi.
Highlights of the event was a special prayer session for peaceful election in Kogi State led by representatives from CAN and JNI.
