February 21, (THEWILL) – Ahead of Saturday’s presidential election, the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), has endorsed the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi.
The Forum also lauded the currency redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), noting its capability to prevent vote buying and Promotes election of competent leaders at national and States’ elections.
The endorsement was part of deliberations and resolutions reached at the forum’s meeting held on Sunday.
Dated February 19, 2023 and signed by Chairman and Secretary, Dr Samuel Danjuma Gani and Bosun Emmanuel, a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting listed some members of the Forum to include a former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma; Dr Saleh Hussaini, Vice Chairman (North); Elder Shyngle Wigwe, Vice Chairman (South); Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Prof. Joseph Otubu, Dr Kate Okpareke, Dr Ayo Abifarin, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (retd), Hon. Justice James Ogebe (retd), and Elder Moses Ihonde.
Others are Hon. Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (retd.), Elder Nat Okoro, Solomon Asemota (SAN), Elder Matthew Owojaiye, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Prof. Deborah Ajakaiye, His Royal Majesty Oba Dokun Thompson, and Dr Taiwo Idemudia.
The communique partly read: “These elections will afford Nigerians the opportunity to provide competent and capable leaders into national and state offices at the executive and legislative arms of government. The Elders pointed out that good leadership is indispensable to the well-being, peace, and prosperity of Nigerians.
“The Christian Elders commend the noticeable change in the attitude of many Nigerians towards the election of leaders for the country. From the North to the South, and from the East to the West, there is apparent shift from politics of religion and tribalism to endorsement of leaders based on merit and ability to perform.
“Nigerians are beginning to attach premium importance to capacity and integrity rather than the primordial emotional choices, which afforded unqualified and incompetent people access to leadership positions.
“NCEF commends the Federal Government for taking steps to curb vote buying during the 2023 elections.
“While the policy of currency change has brought some inconvenience to the people, the long-term benefit should be appreciated. It is crucial that vote buying must be prevented at all costs to hinder unqualified and incapable persons from bribing their way into power.
“NCEF also calls on the Federal Government not to spare efforts to prevent violence during the elections. The reports that some regions are preparing to unleash violence during the elections should not be taken lightly.
“NCEF calls on all Nigerians to shun politics of religion and tribalism and vote people into offices based on capacity, ability, integrity, and good health. A sick country requires healthy leaders.
“In view of the foregoing, NCEF reiterates the call to all Nigerians that the next elections should be about national integration, national reconciliation and national unity that will lead to social, economic, and physical infrastructural development for the benefit of all and generations coming behind.
“In view of the need to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria and the culture of corruption, incompetency, lawlessness, and impunity, which assailed the country in the past 24 years is eradicated, NCEF encourages Nigerians to THINK NEW.
“Nigeria requires new leaders, new methods, new policies, and new political parties. In view of the above for equity, justice, inclusiveness, and unity to produce the preferred future for Nigerians, National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) is endorsing Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party as the Presidential candidate to be voted for.
‘Finally, NCEF encourages all Nigerians of voting age to exercise their civic duty and ensure that they vote for capacity, competency, integrity, and good health.”
