From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) and Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Kaduna State chapters have appealed to preachers of both faiths to resist the temptation of using sacred altars and pulpits to carry out unhealthy politics of promoting one party or candidate above the others.
This is as CAN and JNI said they cannot allow this noble credential of their faiths to be subverted by few religious clerics.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the state Secretaries of CAN and JNI – Rev. Ma’aji Caleb Bawa, and Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Kufena, respectively, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday, February 9.
The statement therefore called on all religious leaders in Kaduna State to mobilize and support its followers for a peaceful and credible Gubernatorial and State Assembly Elections.
The statement reads in part; “It is sad to note our revered calling and places of worship are being used for politics by some religious preachers.
“Some have commenced the Holy place meant for Holy Service, campaigning for candidates and parties and issuing out unholy messages.
“We the religious leaders of both the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have consistently cautioned against the use of religion for promoting political parties and candidates.
“A few days to the Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections, the political atmosphere is overheated even much more than we experienced in the run-off to the February 25, 2023 elections.
“While we acknowledge the importance attached to this coming election, it is not healthy for our dear State that places of worship be used for political campaigns and endorsement of candidates.
“We need to always remember that our followers even within the same Churches or Mosques may belong to different political parties. Hence, there is the need for Imams, Pastors and other leaders of faith to remain apolitical and neutral.
“Importantly, all religious leaders in Kaduna State must ensure strict adherence to the teachings of the Holy Books by promoting peaceful coexistence. It is our duty to create understanding on the need for people to go out and cast their votes in a peaceful manner as prescribed by the law.
“Similarly, the Kaduna State chapters of CAN and JNI are urging religious preachers outside the Kaduna State to refrain from making inflammatory remarks or sermons that can be instigative to the peace loving people. Rather, they should concentrate on addressing the issues in their States of living and service.
“As leaders of faiths, it is worthy to remind all that we are accountable to our Creator who has graciously recruited us to serve Him and thus we will be rewarded in accordance with our actions and words.”
