2023 Governorship election: Election in Taraba State should not be Christian verses Muslim affair – Clergy

Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo

Nigerians have been commended for their massive turn out and peaceful conduct during the Presidential and National Assembly Elections that was held on 25th February, 2023.

The Bishop of Crown of life Bible Church House of David, Bishop Innocent Solomon Rubiriku stated this in a statement issue to newsmen in Jalingo the Taraba State Capital.

He commended Nigerians for exercising restraint during the coalition and subsequent declaration of the results in spite of many flaws observable during the whole exercise such as late arrival of election materials in some parts of the country, the malfunction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines BVAS, failure of the planned electronic transmission of results to the virtual results viewing portal amid other structural challenges in the electoral process.

“The need for Nigeria to remain peaceful amidst this difficult circumstances so that INEC as she promised will thoroughly review the processes towards ensuring that everyone’s vote is respected in our electoral process cannot be overemphasized.

“On recent calls and counter calls as seen on social media persuading electorates to vote based on religious lines rather than competence and ability to deliver, this is undemocratic. It is also my candid opinion that ELECTIONS IN TARABA IS NOT A CHRISTIAN VERSUS MUSLIM AFFAIR and so we must not start today. It is on record that Christians and Muslims in Taraba State have coexisted peacefully and shared so many things in common, with people in the same family practicing different faiths yet living together and over the years exercised their civic duties peacefully devoid of unnecessary schism.
Politically, there have been a great level of tolerance, brotherhood and accommodation as far as the history of Taraba is concern compared to many other places in Nigeria.

He pointed out that sentiments expressed in some quarters is unnecessary and uncalled for in view of it’s several negative tendencies and consequences in our polity.

“I therefore appeal to the peace loving Tarabans and all persons living in Taraba to be peaceful and tolerant of others irrespective of tribe, region and religion.
I further appeal to our highly respected Leadership of our two major faiths CAN and Muslim Council who are undoubtedly stakeholders in the Project Taraba and saddled with enormous responsibility to provide leadership in the society to do so far more during this election period so as to ensure a very peaceful atmosphere devoid of rancour.

“Adherents of these two major faiths as they have always done exercise their civic duties freely without any form of tension, cohesion or intimidation.

He equally appeal to political parties, candidates, supporters and the public to desist from any action that could create needless tensions or stir up any form of violence.