Arms Proliferation Threatens 2015 Elections – Christian Elders

The Christian Elders Forum of Northern States on Thursday warned that the proliferation of dangerous weapons in the nation and insecurity did not suggest a good atmosphere for credibility and fairness in the 2015 general elections.

The forum therefore directed all Christians to embark on grassroots mobilisation that would ensure that Christians came out enmasse to vote.

It also suggested that “the rotation of gubernatorial seat among the three Senatorial districts in every state be included in the nation’s constitution” but advised politicians “who have shown no concern to our plight” never to “bother discussing 2015 electioneering with us.”

The group’s position was contained in a communique signed by its Chairman, Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye and Secretary-General, Iliya Yusuf, at the end of its annual conference in Abuja.

On unemployment, NOSCEF called on the rich and influential Nigerians to cooperate with northern state governors to reduce the trend.

It said, “We urge our elite to co-operate with the governors in the North to dispatch 10,000 youths to China and 10,000 youths to India to be trained in the running of small scale industries. Governments should grant them soft loans to establish themselves on return. The quality of education right from the primary to the tertiary has been embarrassingly poor.

“The present insecurity does not create a good atmosphere for credible election. All efforts must be made to bring things to normalcy. The level and sophistication of weapons in the hands of individuals in Nigeria is very alarming.”