Sign peace pact
From Gyang Bere, Jos
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State branch, has cautioned candidates of political parties in the state against utterances and actions that would lead to violence and bloodshed during the 2023 elections.
State Chairman Rev Fr Polycarp Lubo sound the warning on Tuesday, in Jos, where the candidates signed a peace pact to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during and after the electioneering campaign.
He said that the essence of the peace pact by CAN was to ensure that the candidates and their parties do not take laws into their hands as they solicit votes.
Lubo advised the candidates that if they have any concerns, then should follow the legal procedures to address their issues, and not resort to self-help or violence.
“We don’t want bloodshed in Plateau because of politics. Most times we have crises because we mix politics with religion and we don’t want anything that will puncture the relative peace we are currently enjoying,” he said.
According to him, only one out of the candidates would emerge as the governor of the state in fulfilment of God’s purpose.
He commended the candidates for turning out for the peace pact, saying the meeting was also for CAN leaders including those in local governments to physically see, interact and also pray for them.
“Our job as CAN is to pray and support the government of the day to succeed, We don’t hesitate to draw the attention of the leader when he/she veers off the right direction. All of us have the duty and responsibility to tell our people to get their PVCs and vote for the right candidates both at the state and the national level,” he added.
CAN urge all Christians on the Plateau that even as they exercise their franchise in electing credible leaders, they should as well abstain from any unwanted act by the law.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Barr Caleb Mutfwang said his campaign has always been civil, polite, peaceful and issues-driven.
“We also believe that after the elections, all of us are Plateau people and there is no need to put any life in jeopardy because of an election.
“We have always been committed to peace because our key agenda is to promote peace and that is why we signed this accord to demonstrate our commitment to peace,” he added.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, said the pact would help enshrine peace in the structures of politics in the state.
Yilwatda assured said that he always stood for peace and as a man of peace, he would not do anything otherwise.
The APC candidate added that as a Christian, he knows that Christ is the Prince of Peace and that any society built on peace would thrive better.
On his part, the Labour Party governorship candidate, Dr Patrick Dakum in his remarks, said that he had spoken with his supporters to conduct themselves peacefully.
Rev. Bernard Kyesen in an exhortation taken from 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 said that CAN would not rest until what was designed for Plateau by God was achieved.
Kyesen said that Plateau need a governor that would have the heart to love the people and would actualise the Plateau agenda.
Amongst other candidates that signed the peace pact were Mr Luka Pampe of the People’s Redemption Party and Mr Sani Dawop of the African Democratic Party.