March 9: Rivers CAN Calls For Peaceful Polls

The Rivers State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has frowned at the indiscriminate killings of both civilians and security agents in the state.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, the Chairman, Dr Stanley Dimkpa and the Secretary, Archbishop Emmanuel Ogu of the Rivers State branch of CAN,lamented the incessant waste of God’s revered creatures and excessive spilling of blood on the land, stressing that the act could bring curses or attracts God’s wrath to the land.
The statement said, “God created man in his own image and likeness and commanded that killings be forbidden. CAN, Rivers State, therefore warns all those involved to desist from this heinous act and confess to God for forgiveness.
“CAN River State sends our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families and pray for the repose of the souls of the dead while also praying for the rapid recovery of those at the hospitals.
The statement reiterated the earlier call on all Christians in the State to go out to cast their votes in their numbers to candidates of their choices without fear of any molestation.
CAN also called on security agencies and INEC officials to be professional in carrying out their duties, advising them to be unbiased in doing their jobs.
On the behaviour of some politicians during elections, the Rivers State CAN, called on all political leaders to exercise maturity, patience and wisdom in their actions avoiding acts that would jeopardise the stability of our hard earned democracy.
The association directed all religious leaders and the entire Christian community to embark on serious prayers and fasting for a peaceful, violence-free and credible governorship and House of Assembly elections.