BY AMOS TAUNA, KADUNA – The Northern Coordinators of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), Rev Joseph Hayab and Sheik Haliru Maraya have canvassed that electing candidates in future elections should not have any identity coloration if Nigeria must move forward to greatness.
The two leaders, who were Special Advisers to late Governor Ibrahim Yakowa on Christian and Islamic religious matters, were contributing to on-going debate by some Nigerians advancing reasons and criteria that should be used in electing people into various elective offices come 2019 general elections.
They noted that the use of religion, tribe and region or age identity had in the past done more harm than good to the country by pitching Nigerians against one another, adding that this has ‘sadly culminating in the present situation we have found ourselves as a country’.
They said all Nigerians must see themselves as members of one family under God, and should therefore be allowed to elect the best candidates for all elective positions in the overall unity, peace and development of the country.
According to them; “Electing candidates on the basis of identity rather than individual’s ability to take the country out of its wilderness has been the bane of Nigeria progress in all spheres of life.
“Until we realize this, we may not make any headway in our democratic system. We will continue roaming within the circle of confusion like the children of Israel in the wilderness.
“We should not use religion, age or any other identity to elect people into elective positions but should be on the basis of the candidate’s ability that is responsive and responsible to the yearnings and aspirations of the people irrespective of tribe, religion, region or political affiliation.
“Our past experience in electing leaders on the basis of religion or other identities have proved us wrong as a people hence the need not to allow history repeats itself in 2019,” they stressed.
The two Coordinators therefore called on Nigerians to be wise and refuse to be deceived again under whatsoever guise.
