Clergymen under the auspices of Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders’ Forum have called for urgent reform in the electoral process to guarantee credible elections in Nigeria.
Chairman, Southern Kaduna Christian Leader’s Forum, Rev Simon Mutum said: “Unless and until the electoral process is critically looked into and addressed, we may never conduct just, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.”
Chairman, Southern Kaduna Christian Leader’s Forum, Rev Simon Mutum, has expressed confidence that Nigeria would outlive her present challenges.
Mutum spoke on Saturday at the 19th annual Southern Kaduna Prayer Summit held at the Township Stadium in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The clergy stated that there was still hope for the nation contrary to perceived fears prior to the 2019 General Elections.
He said: “many people did not expect Kaduna and by extension, Nigeria to pull through with the aftermath of the general elections but God in His infinite mercies has shown His might and supremacy again’’.
He said that the 2020 Prayer Summit with the theme, “Going Forward,’’ was an intentional bold step to proclaim to the people the need to make progress in the midst of economic, political, spiritual and cultural obstacles.
“Therefore, rather than bewail our misfortunes, we should acknowledge all that God has done and is doing in our midst and move forward.
“Instances to affirm this testament on “Going Forward,’’ are chronicled in the gracious lifting of our sons and daughters across the board in the nation and beyond,’’ Mutum said.
He urged the government not to compromise the ethics that guide the credible electoral process, adding, “We affirm that a level playing ground is allowed for all players.
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“Unless and until the electoral process is critically looked into and addressed, we may never conduct just, fair and credible elections in Nigeria,’’ Mutumi said.
The clergy commended the roles of stakeholders, particularly the Christian community, traditional leader, security agents, youths and women groups including civil society organisations in the area for the overwhelming support in sustaining peaceful coexistence over the years.
Also speaking, a former Minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani Kayode, who was the Special Guest of Honour, at the occasion stressed the need for the people of Southern Kaduna to be united and champion a common front.
Kayode who was represented by Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba advised them to desist from scrambling for political position based on ethnic and religious affiliations.
“I charge the people to rise above every form of opposition and reconfigure your thinking system and salvage the future.
He also urged the state government to ensure equitable distribution of the wealth and resources in the state to give everyone a sense of belonging.
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The National Secretary of ECWA, Rev Yunusa Nmadu, in his sermon at the occasion urged the people to be strong and unwavering in their faith in God.
“Like Moses and the Israelites, keep your eyes opened because God is about to show you His salvation’’.
“In the face of every predicament, do not be afraid because fear has the potency to render you blind and incapacitated instead, stand strong and trust God that your salvation will surely come,’’ he said.
The clergy encouraged the people to draw strength from exemplary lives of the Bible patriarchs like Esther, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego saying, there was no predicament that could not be surmountable.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance representatives of the clergies from different denominations, traditional leaders, youth groups, women, politicians.
Also, persons from all walks of life witnessed songs rendition and special prayers for the state and the nation at large.
