The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Adamawa State chapter has called on the citizens of the state to maintain calm in the face of the action of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari.
A statement by the state chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Dami Mamza who doubles as the Yola Catholic diocese thanked INEC national headquarters and security operatives for swiftly responding to the situation thereby saving the day.
“It is with deep sense of regret and concern that we noticed what happened yesterday in our dear peace-loving state of Adamawa regarding the action of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr. Hudu Yunusa.
“While it was unfortunate that he conducted himself in such an awkward and reckless manner, we commend the security operatives who responded swiftly to save him and to save our dear state from crisis that could have cost us dearly.
“We still call on the security operatives to continue with the good work they are doing in ensuring that law and order are in place. We also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the bold step taken in response to the situation. We shall continue to hinge our strength and trust on the promise made by the electoral body for fairness in electoral matters until the end,” Mamza said.
He noted that although CAN has no problem with whoever becomes the governor of the state, Mamza insisted that the process leading to the selection must be free, fair and transparent.
“May we say for the records that we have no problem with whoever becomes our governor in Adamawa state so long as fairness and justice played out in the process. Thus, while we are concerned about the way and manner the REC behaved, we are still calling on all to remain calm and be hopeful in the promise INEC made for free, fair, credible and transparent election in the state.
“We believe that INEC’s timely intervention in this recklessness will save the face of democracy in our state and the country at large. Since the collation and final announcement rest with INEC in Abuja, we call on all to exercise restraint, self-discipline, eschew bitterness, be calm and work for what will be in the best interest of our people.
“We believe the bold step taken by INEC will bolster our trust that transparency and due process will be followed. May we once again make the same appeal we made to our politicians in the state on Sunday the 26th of March this year by calling on you “to keep all political activity and exchange civil so as to enable an atmosphere of tolerance and respect to flourish in the state.”
“Be kind to us the citizens by being careful in the pursuit of your ambition. It is our wish that you show great concern to the life of our poor people.
“They have enough misery of poverty and the feeling of insecurity. Do not allow your ambition destroy the little peace we enjoy in this state,” Mamza added.
The REC declared Binani as the governor-elect on Sunday amidst protests by the People’s Democratic Party at a time collation of results of the rerun election were still going on.
But later the INEC in a statement disregarded the announcement saying that the REC has no mandate to declare the winner of the polls.
Later in the day, governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in a statewide broadcast urged the people to remain calm as he is doing everything humanly to restore their stolen mandate to them.
