The Archbishop of Jos Province of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Emmanuel Kana Mani has advised former head of state, retired General Muhammadu Buhari to quit politics.

The clergyman also asked the presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, in the 2011 general elections to stop making inflammatory statement that could set the nation on fire.

Archbishop Mani accused Buhari of being an harbinger of violence, adding that statements credited to him had has contributed to heating up the polity.

He admonished the retired General: “Let General Muhammadu Buhariretire 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 ErnestShonekan, General Olusegun Obasanjo and General AbdulsalamiAbubakar. These are highly respected by Nigerians.

These former leaders, the Archbishop said,  are a beacon of hope as they always work for peace and harmony in the country and preach non violence and peaceful coexistence, adding Buhari should join them.

He stated that the former head of state was not indispensable as Nigeria is blessed with people who can equally serve the country at the highest levels of government.

“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.”

“It should be the sacred duty of the former leaders to raise, mentor and nurture younger leaders. Nigeria is not in shortage of manpower, or talented charismatic young men and women who can deliver dividends of democracy very efficiently and effectively,” he said further.

Archbishop Mani observed that the CPC presidential candidate had contradicted himself by first saying after the 2011 election that he was no longer interested in the presidency only to declare later that the decision was his party’s.

“I recall that, before the last presidential election, publicly, GeneralMuhammadu Buhari (rtd.) told all Nigerians that after the 2011 elections, he would not vie for any election again. I also heard General Buhari when responding to a question, whether or not he would contest the 2015 general election. He said that, the decision is not his, but that of his own party. This is a contradiction!.”