By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev John Joseph Hayab, has called on Nigerians to allow the rule of law to take its course in the judgment of the presidential election petition tribunal for the overall peace and unity of Nigeria.
Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, the CAN Chairman said, “We should, as Nigerians, respect the judicial system for the interest of peace and harmonious coexistence of the country. Nigerians must not allow themselves to be used to divide the country based on political differences, but unite and work with the person the court rules in his favor to lead the affairs of the land for development to thrive in Nigeria.”
He added, “Politicians come and go but the country remains. Therefore, we must think inward and not allow some selfish individuals put the country into confusion that could lead to chaos that can result in a loss of lives and destruction of property, which could set the country backward instead of consolidating Nigeria’s progress.”
Rev Hayab urged that politicians and all Nigerians should accept the judgment of the tribunal, especially those the judgment did not go according to their expectations, saying that accepting the tribunal judgment and allowing the rule of law to take its course will consolidate the idea of the court as the hope of the common man.
“Since the tribunal has made pronouncement, let’s keep politics aside for our country to move forward. Where there is a window to appeal the judgment, those who challenged the election results should explore such an avenue instead of a violent approach that may lead to chaos, loss of lives, and destruction of property,” he suggested.
According to Rev Hayab, “Our politicians must recognize the spirit of sportsmanship, where there is always going to be a winner and a loser. Where one is not satisfied with the outcome of the tribunal, one is free to seek redress by using the court until justice is served instead of taking the law into their hands, causing arson leading to killing, maiming of lives and destruction of property.
“My candid advice is that we should embrace the reasonable way of resolving problems rather than being confrontational, leading to wanton destruction of lives and property. Nigerians must work as a family to resolve our differences to understand ourselves for a better tomorrow.
“The divisiveness in the country has caused Nigeria a lot of setbacks in all ramifications of life and, so, we should be cautious and not allow those who do not have the country at heart to cause undue confusion, using the slightest opportunity to accomplish their selfish goals.
“We should put the country first above our interests rather than split up the country based on political, religious, and sectional interests.” He said.
He explained that patriotism is to let the rule of law take its full course, avoiding utterances or actions that can ridicule or undermine democratic principles.
