• CAN tasks FG, INEC on security, credible elections
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has accused some religious leaders in the state of inciting chaos through unsubstantiated statements.
Speaking at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration in Makurdi yesterday, the governor referred to the leaders as “religious bandits.”
However, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described free, fair and credible elections as vital to sustaining democratic integrity.
He also urged the Federal Government to engage citizens constructively and seek inclusive solutions to insecurity and other national challenges.
According to Governor Alia, these religious leaders contribute to the problem through their rhetorics, often making unverified statements and distorting facts. He emphasised the importance of responsible speech and urged religious leaders to speak only about what they knew and could verify.
“There are some religious leaders I call ‘religious bandits’, who are fuelling the bad situation we are experiencing here. How do they support that? By their rhetorics. If you do not have the facts about Benue and Nigeria, shut up; don’t just say something because you have the holy altar and oil to speak. Speak what you know and what can be verified.”
The reverend father-turned-politician called on citizens to develop a positive mindset and work collectively towards the advancement of Benue and Nigeria as a nation. He stressed the significance of unity, sacrifice and collaborative efforts in overcoming obstacles and achieving lasting peace.
OKOH urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen electoral systems and processes to enhance electoral transparency and public trust.
In a message yesterday in Abuja, the cleric, who described good governance as the cornerstone of any democracy, noted that in a true democracy, “the rights to free speech, peaceful assembly and press freedom must be upheld.”
According to him, June 12 symbolises the collective commitment to democracy, freedom and justice, adding that the legacy of the June 12, 1993 elections “remains a beacon of hope and a reminder of our nation’s enduring democratic spirit.”
The CAN president lamented that insecurity had continued to threaten the country’s stability and called for urgent and sustained action to safeguard lives and property.
He called for greater transparency and accountability at all levels of government, stressing that “Nigeria’s vast resources must be harnessed to address poverty, unemployment and inequality,” as well as to improve infrastructure, healthcare and education.
The governor said: “As we reflect on this journey, we urge all Nigerians to embrace unity, peace and mutual respect. We must stand firm against religious intolerance and violence in all forms.”
The government has a sacred duty to protect religious freedoms, ensure that no one is persecuted for their faith, and deliver justice to victims of religious violence.
