The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has advised that adequate security measures be put in place in volatile areas across the country before the announcement of election results.
Rev. Shuaibu Byel, the CAN Chairman, North East Zone, made the suggestion in an interview, in Bauchi State yesterday.
Byel said the measure would help in averting post-election violence, especially with regard to the outcome of the presidential election.
CAN president, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Cardinal Onaiyekan
He said: “Past experience clearly showed that post-election violence erupted immediately the result was announced, particularly the presidential election result. That was what happened in 2011. We should learn from past experience.”
Byel commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for conducting a peaceful and successful election, with just minor hitches caused by the malfunction of the Smart Card Readers in some areas.
He equally commended the electorate for coming out en-masse to exercise their civic right.
According to him, this is a clear indication that Nigeria’s democracy has come to stay and is gradually growing to maturity.
“The process was generally peaceful, people turned out en-masse, like never before in the history of elections in this country, usually characterised with apathy,” he added.
The CAN chairman urged politicians, as well as the electorate, to embrace the outcome of election in good faith and accept it as the will of God.
“Contestants and the supporters should embrace the spirit of sportsmanship. Anyone who loses should accept the outcome and try again another time. The person that won should return God’s favour by being a good leader and a true representative of the people,” he advised.
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