By Godwin Utuedoye,
As the 2019 general election draws near, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has been urged by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria CBCN, to ensure that a free, fair, credible and peaceful election is held in Nigeria come 2019, warning politicians to shun election rigging.
Arising from their second plenary session in Sokoto on September 14, the Catholic top hierarchy in Nigeria gave a communique signed by the president, Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze and the Secretary, Most Rev. Camillus Umoh in which they called on the election umpire in Nigeria, INEC to ensure every Nigerian is given the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming election and to guaranty an atmosphere that is free of violence, killing, intimidation, as well as selling and buying of votes.
“It is the right of every Nigerian to fully participate in the electoral process without intimidation and violence. The responsibility for this lies on all of us. We demand that the choice of the electorate, once made, be respected by all”.
Speaking further, the bishops states; “As we look forward to the elections of 2019, we refuse to give up on our hope for a great, prosperous and peaceful nation. For our dreams to be achieved, we must embrace a new way of governing ourselves”. They however called on Nigerians to equipped themselves with their Permanent Voter Card PVC’s so that they can vote for credible and sincere candidates.
“We encourage all registered voters to ensure that they are equipped with their voter’s card, reject and denounce the illegal practices of selling and buying of votes. Despite the deception and defections, Nigerian voters must be wise enough to show some of our politicians, who may have so much to hide, that “they can run, but they cannot hide.”
The bishops expressed gratitude to the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhamadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, as well as the candid interaction with the many traditional and religious leaders who were present at the opening ceremony of their meeting. They said it is a testimony of the cordial relationship that exists between them and, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese.
They stated that it is their desire that such cordial relationship and mutual understanding become a model for the adherents of all religions in the area and the country at large, adding that, this would enable everyone to collectively build the great Nigeria of our dreams.