The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, and has urged the president-elect to run an inclusive government.
Buhari was re-elected in the February 23 presidential election, defeating Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who has since rejected the outcome of the election with legal fireworks in the offing.
In a March 1 letter to the president, the northern CAN said Buhari’s victory was evidence of his uprightness and transparency in governance.
“Run an inclusive government as you promised under the new dispensation, to unite the diverse of people of Nigeria now, more than ever before.
“Mr. President, sir, the Bible says ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ We wish to appeal that you continue to be father to all in Nigeria; as we look forward to seeing a prosperous nation in the next four years of your second term in office.
“Aware of this victory, at a time the people of Nigeria are looking up to you for quality leadership, we urge you double your efforts in the fight against insurgency, internal security and corruption in the country,” in a statement signed by Yakubu Pam, chairman of the association.
In a similar manner, Sultan of Sokoto and leader of the Jama’tu Nasril Islam (JNI), Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, also congratulated Buhari, and urged opposition parties to sheathe their swords.
Although JNI did not mention Atiku by name, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Khalid Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate fell into that category since he is the only one among all the presidential candidates who contested alongside Buhari who has gone to the court to challenge the outcome of the election.
Atiku inaugurated his legal team last Friday, directing the lawyers to “retrieve his stolen mandate.”
JNI said: “However, we call on all the political contenders in Nigeria to, in the name Allah, take it easy and sheathe their swords as, in every contest, there will always be a winner and a loser.
“But, in this case, all the contestants are the winners, because, Nigerians are now beginning to understand the dynamics of politics and democracy.
“Moreover, Nigerians must be in peace with one another before anybody will think of governing the entity called Nigeria, except if he/she thinks otherwise.
“Peace must be embraced by all as Nigeria clearly needs peace for its growth and development and considering that the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections are coming up on Saturday.
“We use this medium to appeal to all politicians and their supporters to embrace peace and also, be decorous in actions and speeches, before, during and after the elections.”
In January, the national body of CAN declared January 10 a day of special prayers for the elections.
A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the CAN President, Pastor Bayo Oladeji, said the purpose of the nationwide prayer session, across the 36 states and Abuja, was to ask God to prevent violence, manipulation, intimidation of voters and other electoral crimes before, during, and after the 2019 polls.
The statement quoted CAN acting Secretary General, Joseph Daramola, as urging Christian politicians, especially those contesting for elective offices to participate in the prayer meetings; as they would be anointed to pursue their ambitions with a sense of fair play.
He also said spiritual help would he sought by the church for the protection of their mandate from the manipulations of malicious and desperate men.
Daramola further directed all state chairmen and all denominational leaders to organise similar programme so that candidates who could not make it to Abuja, especially those who are contesting for the House Assembly or positions of governor would attend the one being organised at the sub-national level.