CAN calls for peaceful LG polls in Kaduna

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State has urged the government to provide the enabling environment that would guarantee credible local council elections in the state today.

The state Chairman of CAN, Reverend Joseph Hayab, in a statement yesterday, also urged residents of the 23 local councils of the state to come out in their numbers and elect credible leaders that would protect their interests and also promote democracy.

According to him, the election offers an opportunity to shun bad leadership in the state.

Hayab said: “Citizens of our dear state must use this election to prove critics wrong that Kaduna people are peace lovers and only want to be treated with respect and allowed to choose leaders of their choice without manipulations.
 
“Government should therefore ensure this election is free and fair, respect the will of the people and allow the electoral umpire to carry out its duty without interference.”

He lamented that “Kaduna State people have in the last few years suffered greatly from banditry, kidnapping and different violent conflicts, which have affected many lives, disrupted education calendars and economic activities.”

Hayab added: “We should therefore not allow enemies of progress to hide under this election to plunge us into another round of losses which can only draw us backward and deep into more pains and sorrows.

“We are appealing to all aspirants and their political parties to eschew divisive politics by avoiding any inflammatory statements before, during, and after the elections. We pray to see a good spirit of genuine sportsmanship from them.

“Our last appeal is that our security agencies should be on the side of the people by providing security and protecting innocent citizens to boost their confidence so that the exercise will be violence-free and produce leaders that will govern us well and provide quality service to the people.”