2023: CAN cautions against violence, as candidates sign peace pact

The Plateau chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged candidates of political parties to avoid utterances and actions that would cause violence or bloodshed during the 2023 elections.

CAN Chairman in the State, Rev Fr Polycarp Lubo gave the charge on Tuesday, in Jos, where the candidates signed a Peace pact to conduct themselves peacefully during the electioneering.

Lubo, said that the essence of the peace pact by CAN, was to ensure that the candidates and their parties do not to take laws into their hands as they solicit for votes.

He advised the candidates that if they have any concern, they should follow the legal procedures to address their issue, and not to 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.

The CAN chairman told the candidates to note the fact that God gives leadership at a particular time to fulfill his purpose.

According to him, only one out of the candidates would emerge as the governor of the state.

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 veer off the right direction. All of us have duty and responsibility to tell our people to get their PVCs and vote the right candidates both in 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.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda said that 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 p
Prince of Peace and that any society built on peace would thrive better.

On his part People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship candidate Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, said that his campaign had 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 always been committed to peace because our key agenda is to promote and that is why we signed this accord to demonstrate our commitment to peace,” he added.

Labour Party governorship candidate Dr Patrick Dakum in his remarks, said that he had spoken with his supporters to conduct themselves peaceful.

Rev. Bernard Kyesen in an exhortation taken from 1Samuel 16: 1-13 said that
CAN would not rest untill 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 Peoples Redemption Party and Mr Sani Dawop of African Democratic Party.