Boko Haram’s activities threat to elections, says CAN

THE leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday raised an alarm that the activities of the Boko Haram sect may pose a threat to the forthcoming general elections.

CAN urged the Federal Government to tackle the insurgents’ activities before the beginning of the polls.

In the resolution issued at its first quarterly meeting in Abuja, the Christian body also observed that the Federal Government’s efforts in providing security were “not yielding the needed results as wanton killings have continued, especially in some states in the northern part.”

CAN asked Nigerians to pray for peaceful conduct of the 2019 general elections.

A statement issued by Special Assistant (Media & Communications) to CAN President Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, said: “The CAN acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government, military and other security agencies in fighting insurgency and all criminal activities in the country, including kidnapping and armed robbery among others.

“Boko Haram appeared to have resurrected again, decimating communities in Borno and Yobe states in particular, not sparing soldiers. This resurgence of insecurity in the Northeast portends danger for the forthcoming general elections, if efforts at curtailing it are not increased. Many voters might be disenfranchised from voting.

“The association commends President Muhammadu Buhari for the continuous reassurance that all will be done by the government to make the forthcoming general elections free, fair and credible. We at the same time implore Mr. President to make sure that all these promises are transformed into reality through concrete efforts that would prevent violence and other electoral malpractices.

“The association calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police and other security agents not to make themselves available to be used for rigging or any form of electoral malpractice by the politicians.

“No voter or election observer must be intimidated or harassed throughout the period of the election. We equally urge politicians to run away from vote-buying while the electorates should not allow anybody to buy their votes. If you sell your vote, you sell your future.”

CAN reaffirmed its support for efforts of government geared towards stamping out corruption from our country.