THE ROLE OF CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN) IN THE CONDUCT OF CREDIBLE ELECTIONS IN AKWA IBOM STATE NIGERIA
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The roles religions have been playing in nation building are gradually being noticed by the larger society. Both Christian and Islamic organizations have launched several efforts to address the matter of credible elections which were hitherto left almost exclusively to government and secular organizations. Several researchers have highlighted some of the contribution of Christianity toward sustainable development. That religious organization can play vital roles in addressing some of the ill in the society is a testimonial of their relevance to contemporary society.
Along this line of thought, Akanbi (2010:101-111) posited that religion is indispensable if Nigeria must have good leaders. He surmised that apart from the call for religious leaders to inculcate virtues necessary for good leadership in their members. They should also speak out against evil that plague the society. This is an acknowledgement of the role of religion in the society. Interestingly, Obaje (2005:31) sees religions as a vital tool for the development of national morality. He further noted that since religion is the greatest driver of morality, it becomes inevitable that Nigeria cannot pursue its quest for good governance which encapsulates transformation and rebranding-without the involvement of religious organisation as active players. Religion has made noticeable contributions in Nigeria. Similarly, it has been shown that the absence of good governance in Nigeria is more of deficiency in moral rectitude than political miscalculation or unsolicited amalgam of people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Also, some Nigeria hold that moral rebirth is a Sine qua non if the quest for good leadership must be attained. Considering the place of religion in the Nigeria politic, the question now is what role CAN should play toward the conduct of credible election in Nigeria particularly in Akwa Ibom State. This question forms the basis on which this investigation is predicated; the expectation of Nigerians from the Christian Association of Nigeria towards promotion
THE ROLE OF CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN) IN THE CONDUCT OF CREDIBLE ELECTIONS IN AKWA IBOM STATE NIGERIA