As Nigerians prepare to for the forthcoming general elections, the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello has urged religious leaders to continue to promote interfaith unity and to push for the betterment of Nigeria.
The governor who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Nasara Danmallam, made this disclosure at the formal inauguration of the new Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, Most Rev Bulus Dauwa Yohanna and other executive members on Tuesday in Minna.
It should be recalled that Bishop Yohanna emerged Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State Chapter and took over from Dr. Mathias Echioda who served two terms tenure which began in 2016.
According to him “the government will work closely with religious leaders in the state so as to promote unity.
“We have been working closely with the two major religions in the State and we will continue to sustain that relationship”.
While assuring the new leadership of robust relationship, he advised them to continue to promote interfaith unity and continue to push for the betterment of Nigeria.
Earlier in his acceptance speech, the State Chairman of CAN asked Christian leaders to encourage their members to collect their PVCs adding that “we have all registered, now it is the time to collect the PVCs so that we can all exercise our franchise.
“It is time to vote credible leaders, if we must enjoy peace and tranquility in our state, we must all be ready to vote in credible leaders. Make sure you play active part in the forthcoming elections.”
He added that “CAN is non-partisan, but we remain willing to partner with all leaders and other relevant stakeholders towards achieving unity, peace, and progress in our nation and indeed our State.
“Consequently, CAN cannot be antagonistic to any well-meaning political party, individual or group as the nation warms up for a fresh round of elections in 2023”.
While pledging to defend Christians’ rights and to work with other faith groups to promote peace in the state, he lamented the insecurity in parts of the state and appealed to the State Governor tAlhaji Abubakar Sani Bello to act fast in curbing the menace
“We call on the Federal and State Governments to intensify efforts in bringing the challenges of insecurity to a permanent stop,” Yohanna said.
The North Central CAN Chairman Rev Israel Akanji, who was represented by the North Central Secretary, Rev Dr Danjuma Byang inaugurated the State Chairman alongside the new executives- Deputy Chairman, Ezekiel Pocho Pastor Raphael Opawoye as Secretary; Very Rev Goodseed Ekelema as Assistant Secretary and Oyashowo Oyeye as Treasurer and Five others as Directors.
