Ene Oshaba
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has urged Nigerians to take advantage of this coming election to choose the right leaders , describing the year as a golden opportunity for turnaround in the nation’s fortune.
President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh, gave the advice in a statement he signed Sunday in Abuja to mark the new year.
He called on politicians and religious leaders to prioritize the interest of the masses, adding that their conduct should focus on encouraging citizens to building a Nigeria where equity, justice and fairness will reign supreme.
“Amid these challenges, 2023 is a year of golden opportunities for us a people. I pray that Nigerians will not miss or misuse the opportunity to choose leaders with focus and compassion who will lead our country to greatness,” he said.
“Our politicians should realise that we don’t have any other country but Nigeria. Consequently, this reality should inspire them to be more responsible in playing politics with the best interest of the masses at heart.
“In the same vein, religious leaders should know that there is life after general elections of 2023. Therefore, our speeches and conduct should focus on encouraging our people to build a Nigeria where equity, justice and fairness will reign supreme,” he added.
The Archbishop appealed to security agencies not to relent in their efforts to ensure safety and security, urging them to also support the conduct of peaceful general elections in February.
He further urge the government to do more to stop the downward trend of economy by checking the sources of leakages and wastage of national resources in 2023.
“The out gone year 2022 was one too many as a result of the seeming unabated climate of fear and uncertainty not just in Nigeria, but across the world.
“However, as Christians, we testify of God’s kindness and faithfulness in 2022, considering the unconscionable attempts by criminal elements wielding sophisticated weapons to stake a claim on our lives and freedom as well as the steady decline in the national economy.
“I earnestly appeal to our security agencies not to relent in their efforts to ensure safety and security in our land; and also support the conduct of peaceful general elections in 2023.”CAN will continue to partner with government, civil societies and development partners to build a peaceful and prosperous country,” he assured.