Dr Obadiah Mailafia in an Interactive Session with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)



On Friday 7 December Dr. Obadiah Mailafia was among the presidential candidates that were invited to an interactive session with the President and Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The event took place at the Christian International Denominational Centre in Abuja. The association invited about a dozen presidential candidates for an interactive session to exchange views on the state of the nation as we prepare for the 219 elections. In his submission, Dr Mailafia made it clear that the church has an important role in ensuring peaceful and fair elections and also prevailing on political leaders to govern with righteousness and justice. On his part, he expressed strong commitment to addressing issues of insecurity, poverty and human development. He called for unity between Christians and Muslims in advancing the cause of peace and collectively confronting the common ills that afflict all of us as fellow citizens of this great country. 

In a related development, Dr Mailafia has been told by some Northern Muslim groups that, although they believe him to be the best candidate in the upcoming elections, they are not comfortable by his criticism of killings in the North. I have made it clear that I embrace fully and wholeheartedly all Muslims and Christians as fellow children of Abraham. What I have never minced words about is my total condemnation of the bloodshed in the North, either by Boko Haram or by so-called herdsmen militias. I believe that the shedding of innocent blood -- especially children and women, including expectant mothers, is a curse on the land. Nothing will ever justify it, in my opinion. It is for me a matter of conscience and Humanity. On that one, I shall never ever compromise! For the peace that we seek, for the progress that we cherish, our New Nigeria must be built on peace and solidarity, human rights, the rule of law, freedom of religious worship, and on nonviolence and respect for the humane values of civilisation.

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