SUPPORT INEC TO DELIVER CREDIBLE ELECTIONS, CATHOLIC BISHOP TELLS NIGERIANS

SUPPORT INEC TO DELIVER CREDIBLE ELECTIONS, CATHOLIC BISHOP TELLS NIGERIANS

By Abuchi Onwumelu

The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has appealed to Nigerians to have faith in INEC in order to give the country credible elections.

Bishop Ezeokafor made the appeal at the Retreat and Pastoral Center, in Awka, Anambra State, while reacting to the postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The prelate, who said the development came to him as a shock, further said that the situation had caused a lot of financial loss to Nigeria and Nigerians.

He advised that even in the face of the disturbing development, Nigerians should not place their personal gains above the interest of the country. He called on the citizens to still turn out to vote for the next crop of leaders, February 23.

“It is better to have a delay and get it right than to rush and get it wrong”, he said.

While urging Nigerians to see it as a duty that must be fulfilled for the betterment of the country, Ezeokafor warned against vote buying and selling; which, according to him, is a mortal sin; adding that nothing is worth mortgaging one’s conscience.

He further charged INEC to prove its worth by organising credible election that will be free, fair and rancour free; as Nigerians and the international community will be looking up to the Commission to get it right this time around.

“Awka diocese, through my directive, has been on special prayers for the success of the general election since February 8. I wish to cease this opportunity to advise Nigerian youths against violence. Violence never helped any situation in the history of mankind”, he added.