By Abdullai Umar
Minna
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Nigerians, Christians in particular to beware of politicians whose interests run contrary to the needs and aspirations of the citizenry by ensuring that such people are voted out in 2019.
Politicians are back with their antics, CAN said, adding however that Christians will no longer be deceived but will with their Permanent Voters’ Card vote for candidates that will not only guarantee equity, justice and fairness to all at the federal, states and local governmemt levels.
The Chairman of CAN, Niger state, Rev. Mathias Echioda, who made the declaration at the end of a three-day meeting of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Minna, the Niger State, said, “We will not allow anybody to choose leaders to govern us again”.
Apparently reacting to killings in Christian dominated areas by suspected Fulani herdsmen in some states in the north and lopsided appointments to favour a particular religion against others in Niger State, Echioda reminded Christians on the need to encourage one another to make a difference in 2019.
As equal stakeholders, the CAN chairman challenged Christians to vote for people who would not discriminate against them in Niger State.
‘‘We have the numerical strength to be decisive in deciding who occupies any elective and appointive position in Niger state.
“I want to remind us all that these politicians are coming again. We must not be tricked by their antics, be wise in deciding who deserves our votes.
“I urge you to be actively involved at all levels. Where you think it is dirty, make it clean so that Christians will no longer be treated as second class citizens where we all have equal stake to the national cake.
“I urge you to be involved in political activities, register and join political parties. We have the numerical strength to be decisive in Niger state and in Nigeria. Whatever it is, we should be vigilant because we will not let them deny us any longer our collective wealth,” he said.
The CAN chairman further urged Christians in Niger state to ensure they get their PVCs ahead of next year’s election.
