Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Nigerians especially the Christians in the North to stay where they are and shun panic relocation.
CAN Chairman, Kaduna Central Zone, who doubles as Pastor of Light House Church, Kaduna, Essein Istifanus said this yesterday in Kaduna, while addressing newsmen at the grand finale of universal week of prayer held at St Joseph Catholic Church, Kaduna. He expressed belief that this year’s elections cannot be worse than that of the 2015 which God controlled.
According to him, CAN as a body, has been advocating that members should go out to get their permanent voter’s cards (pvcs) because that is what gives them the power as citizens to vote who they want into public offices. “CAN as a body has been seriously praying for this country and we believe in God, that He will see us through the hurdles of the election by His grace.
“I think the worst should be over. The worst was in 2015 when people were apprehensive of what was going to happen. So many people left town. But I want to admonish everybody to stay where they are because nothing is going to happen. We will cast our vote and God will give us peace in Kaduna state and the country.”
Chairman, Kaduna Principal Auxiliary, Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), Dr. Tunji Adegboye of Wesley Methodist Cathedral, Kaduna, described the programme as a universal phenomenon where the new year is being put in the hand of God for smooth running.
“Here in Kaduna, it has been a long standing tradition as it were. Initially the Bible Society of Nigeria was the one organising it but for some years now, it has been a collaborative efforts of the Principal Auxiliary of BSN and CAN Kaduna Central zone and our theme for this year’s prayer week centres on justice.
“Deuteronomy 16: 18-20 talks about justice and as we are all aware, this year is election year in Nigeria and if there is going to be justice, everybody should be given equal opportunity. In view of that, we are praying that God will elect for us a man after His own heart who will rule this country with justice where everyone will have a level playing ground to exercise his rights. If that is done, there will be peace in the land,” he prayed.
Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Pastor Adeyemi Isaac of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement in Kaduna said, 72 churches participated in the week long prayer activities.
