- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Baptist Convention on Friday said current political officials who are convinced that they have done well for the people should have nothing to fear as Nigerians approach the next general elections.
The convention’s President, Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji, gave the charge during a Press Conference held in Abuja ahead of its 113th annual session.
Addressing newsmen ahead of the six-day event slated to hold from 18th to 23rd of April at the Baptist International Convention Centre (BICC) in Abuja, Akanji harped on the need for politicians to play according to rules and avoid violent conduct that may lead to bloodshed.
The clergyman also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain its neutrality and create a fair playing ground at the poll.
“I do not think we will be realistic to tell our current leaders to take their eyes off politics when 2027 is seriously knocking at our door.
“However, we need to tell them to continue to focus on governance, the current sensitive economic hardship and the security challenges in our land.
“Whoever does his work well now needs not fear the coming 2027 elections because people’s work will speak for them.
“In addition, we as we are at the verge of the electioneering season, it’s imperative to urge our politicians to play the game according to the rules; to shun all forms of violence and election malpractices. Like one of our former leaders said, our political ambition is not worth the blood of anyone.
“Further, we implore INEC to maintain neutrality and be determined to conduct free, fair and credible polls.” He said.
Reflecting on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Akanji commended the president for his economic reforms.
He maintained that Tinubu inherited a mismanaged economy.
However, the clergyman charged the president to initiate economic policies that further cushion the hardship currently witnessed across the country.
“We welcome the ongoing reforms in the economic sector. We have mentioned it repeatedly in the past and media reports have confirmed it that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a mismanaged economy.
“And while we appreciate the President for all he has been doing to cushion the severity of the economic hardship, we urge him to continue to intensify action in putting in place economic policies which will mend the broken pieces as quickly as possible.
“We are making this request in spite of not being unmindful of the global wars which have continued to affect every part of the world adversely.” He said.
The NBC also hailed the infrastructural development drive of the Tinubu-led administration.
While showering encomium on the president over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the convention sought the President’s address of dilapidated roads across the country.
It also demanded adequate and deliberate attention to the operation of the country railway network system while raising alarm over the cost of travelling by air in Nigeria.
On insecurity, the NBC acknowledged the administration efforts in tackling the menace.
It however decisive action against the compromised security architecture in the country.
“And while we commend our security agencies and their chiefs for a job well done so far in reducing this ugly situation, it has become imperative to urge them to do more.
“We are aware that what we are seeing today are the consequences of the compromised security architecture inherited by the present administration.
“Yet, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, confront and overcome the problem of insecurity in the nation decisively.
“The situation where we are doing mass burials as we are witnessing in Jos, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Bassa in the Plateau, Benue, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and other States of the country is totally unacceptable and reprehensible. Similar cases have continued to occur in Kastina, Kebbi, Zamfara, Borno States.” Akanji said.
The NBC President also sought Tinubu’s intervention in other sectors of the country which include education, power, and agriculture.