Buhari Warned Over 2015 Elections

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Maiduguri, Bishop Emeritus Emmanuel Kana Mani has called on former head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari to respect what he voices out publicly, with tears rolling down his cheek, which he said also bears natural witness to his declaration.

The Anglican Bishop stated this in a statement on Thursday, made available to journalists Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

According to him, the scenario, the picture or signal that some politicians are showing or sending is not good for the polity. Adding that, some politicians are talking recklessly and even issuing threats, which is unfortunate.

Bishop Mani said, he recalled that before the last Prsidential election, Gen. Buhari told all Nigerians that after the 2011 elections, he would not vie for any elections again.

" I also heard General Buhari when responding to a question on whether or not he would contest the 2015 general election and he said that the decision is not his, but that of his own party, which to me is a contradiction and unlike of a stateman." He said.

The Bishop said, Buhari would do himself a favour and retire from active politics and join the highly revered league of former Nigerian leaders, such as General Yakubu Gowon, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Chief Ernest Shonekan, General Olusegun Obasanjo and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who stood tall and remain highly respected Nigerians.

According to him, these group of former leaders are beckon of hope as they always intervene and call on Nigerians to live in peace and harmony with one another.

He said, these leaders preach non-violence and peaceful co-existence, as such urged General Buhari to join the enviable league and safe Nigeria from political tension.

"Let those who had the opportunity of leading this country either as President or Governors or any other political office at any level remember that Nigeria is blessed with capable men and women across the six geo-political zones who can even do better if given the opportunity as no Nigerian is indispensable." The Bishop told journalists.

He said it should be a sacred duty of former leaders to raise, mentor and nurture younger leaders as Nigeria is not in shortage of manpower, or talented charismatic youngmen and women who can deliver dividends of democracy very efficiently and effectively.