The primate of the
Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Nicholas Okoh, has appealed to
politicians who won their elections to show restraint and humility in
victory, while all who lost elections should take it in the spirit of
sportsmanship and hope for another opportunity next time.
Mr Okoh, who spoke
with journalists in Abuja, also called on the federal government not to
gloss over the recent violence in some states in the north and ensure
that the perpetrators are punished.
The violence, which
exploded after the presidential election, has claimed lives and
displaced thousands of people, thereby paralysing business activities
in the affected areas.
“I wish to say
clearly that the recent killings, looting, burning, harassment of
Nigerians in the north have no bearing with the largely peaceful,
transparent and credible elections just concluded,” Mr Okoh said.
He said the church
was of the opinion that the crisis “seems to have been planned to take
place, irrespective of the credibility and integrity of the elections
and the results.” Responsible government The government, he says,
should “establish the root cause, the instigators, perpetrators and
active participants and their motive and intentions, with a view to
bringing down justice upon them.” He also charged those in authority to
bring about a new Nigeria where it will not be possible for fellow men
to inflict violence on their neighbours due to “mere suspicion and
unfounded allegations.” He added that it was high time Nigerian
politicians provided the country with purposeful leadership so that
poverty can be eradicated and the tears of many Nigerians, wiped away.
“Government should protect all worship centres and God-fearing
faithful should be free to worship God of their own choice without fear
of intimidation and death from anybody,” he said.
