Pulse.ng : Foundation tasks stakeholders on smooth transition of power

Agency Report

By Muhammand Tijjani

Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), an NGO, has called on stakeholders to support smooth transition of power to the elected leaders at all levels.

The Country Director of the foundation, Rev. John Hayab, made the call at a meeting with faith leaders in Kaduna on Wednesday in the state.

He said that the meeting was organised as part of efforts to allay post election tension.

He explained that the leaders organised similar meetings before and during the 2023 general elections to mitigate violence in the state, adding that they also visited various communities to sensitise them against involving in electoral violence.

According to Hayab, the peace sensitisation campaigns conducted in the communities followed reports of electoral violence in different parts of the country, to prevent similar incidence in Kaduna.

He expressed concern at the circulation of misinformation on the forthcoming inauguration.

He said: “Some people are saying that the inauguration would not hold and many other utterances that could trigger the spirit of violence.”

The Country Director charged the religious leaders on the roles required of them to play in educating their followers on the need for peaceful coexistence, to ensure successful smooth transition and inauguration.

“The religious leaders have a duty of reminding their followers that those aggrieved by the outcome of the elections could go to courts and seek redress.

“We do not need to destroy our state or communities because of election results, once the winner is announced by the electoral body then he must be sworn in and we have to give support and cooperation to that effect.

“If you feel not satisfied, the courts are there, If we give the support, we are helping our state, our country and the political system,“ he said.

Also at the meeting, the Northern Coordinator of the foundation, Sheikh Halliru Maraya, called on religious leaders to be God-fearing, saying that no religion specifically said that power exclusively belonged to its adherents.

He decried religious leaders who used religion to campaign for candidates of their choice, describing the act as a contravention and contradiction of section 92, subsection three of of the 2023 Electoral Act.

He explained that the section prohibited the use of places of worship in campaigning for candidates, adding that section 97 also prohibited campaigns on religious affiliations.

He urged the government to ensure compliance on the act and punish defaulters to serve as deterrent to others while also preventing crisis .

He also implored the religious leaders to always pray for leaders at all levels and for the peace and stability of Nigeria.

Also the Kaduna State Council of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, the state council of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Malam Ibrahim Kufaina and Rev Caleb Maji, called for collective responsibilities in sustaining peace in the society.

They said it was the civic duty of all as religious leaders to always pray for leaders for peace, stability and development in the society.

NAN