By Bridget Ikyado
The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria , Anglican Communion, His Grace Henry Ndukuba has cautioned Nigerians against religious and ethnic politics.
Ndukuba gave the advice in Abuja on Wednesday at a press conference ahead of the September meeting of the Anglican Standing Committee.
He said that if Nigerians shun religious and ethnic politics, it would not only promote peace, but also lead to emergence of competent leaders in the country.
“It is expected that state and none state actors will put their heads together, pull resources and collaborate to ensure a peaceful, safe and transparent election.
“I hereby call on all and sundry to join hands to ensure that the process is free and fair and that only eligible Nigerians are allowed to cast their votes for candidates of their choice.
“Federal and State Governments must work hard to provide a safe and secure environment for this to happen.
“The process should not only appear to be transparent, but must actually be transparently conducted.
“People’s votes must count and all actors must be held accountable for their actions of commission and omission,’’ he said.
He said it was important for the electoral commission to make adequate preparations to deliver credible and acceptable elections.
He also spoke on the recent nomination of Resident Electoral Commissioners, warning that card carrying members of any political party should not be cleared by the National Assembly.
The Primate advised Nigerians to use their cards wisely and vote for candidates of their choice during the 2023 general elections.
Ndukuba commented on Muslim-Muslim ticket, saying politicians must learn to be sensitive to the feelings and aspirations of the people.
“Current happenings, especially the fielding the Muslim-Muslim ticket by two political parties appears to have eroded past gains in this regard.
“It is unwise to continue to promote those things that further divide the country,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria must promote participatory democracy.
“ Every society needs law and order, written and unwritten policies and guidelines on acceptable behaviours to thrive.
“There is the need for inclusion and participatory governance to reduce marginalization and agitation for self-determination.”
Ndukuba said the Church would continue to make suggestions on how to improve governance to make Nigeria great again.
He urged the Federal Government to embark on peaceful negotiation with ASUU, and rescind the `no work no pay’ pronouncement.
“ No Nation can afford to play with its human capital assets. It is time to rejig the education sector to ensure that it works for majority of the people.
“Government and the private sector must collaborate to return the sector to its past glory. Our children cannot acquire the knowledge and skills they need by sitting at home,’’ he said.
The Primate also spoke on war against corruption, saying governments should look inward and tighten the noose and sanction public officials who engage in corrupt acts.
“ We commend the initiates of EFCC in fighting corruption and encourage the independence of ICPC and EFFC so that they can accomplish their mandate.” he added.
On security, he prayer and determination would topple those perpetuating insecurity in the country.
He further said that the security agencies should be mobilized and supported to discharge their constitutional duties.
On healthcare, he said government must invest heavily in basic social amenities and provide affordable services to its citizens. (NAN)
