CAN, JNI congratulates Buhari, urges Atiku to accept defeat

Ebun Francis|

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at the recently concluded presidential election and urged him to run a more inclusive government in his second term.

CAN in a letter to president Buhari dated March 1, 2019, and signed by its chairman, Yakubu Pam, said his reelection last Saturday was evidence of his uprightness and transparency in governance.

The letter read in part, “Run an inclusive government as you promised under the new dispensation to unite the diverse of people of Nigeria now, more than ever before.”

“Mr President sir, the Bible says to whom much is given, much is expected. We wish to appeal that you continue to be father to all in Nigeria as we look forward to seeing prosperous nation in the next 4 years of your second term in office

“Aware of this victory at a time the people of Nigeria are looking up to you for quality leadership, we urge you double your effort in the fight against insurgency, internal security and corruption in the country.”

In a related development, Muhammad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and leader of the Jama’tu Nasril Islam (JNI), also congratulated Buhari, while urging the opposition to accept defeat in good faith.

In a statement signed by Khalid Abubakar, its secretary-general, JNI noted that in every election, there must always be winners and losers.

He said, “However, we call on all the political contenders in Nigeria to, in the name Allah, take it easy and sheath their swords as in every contest there will always be a winner and a loser.

“But in this case, all the contestants are the winners, because Nigerians are now beginning to understand the dynamics of politics and democracy.

“Moreover, Nigerians must be in peace with one another before anybody will think of governing the entity called Nigeria, except if he/she thinks otherwise.

“Peace must be embraced by all as Nigeria clearly needs peace for its growth and development and considering that the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are coming up on Saturday.

“We use this medium to appeal to all politicians and their supporters to embrace peace and also be decorous in actions and speeches, before, during and after the elections.”