By Godwin Utuedoye,
UGHELLI, Missionary Newspaper, July 18, 2018- THE Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM, Major Gen. Felix MujakperuoMujakperuo, Retd., Orhue I, has charged the Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. John Oke’Oghene Afareha to come out during the 2019 election and cast his vote for any candidate of his choice, even as he appealed to him to encourage his congregation to do same.
The monarch who also is a staunch Catholic, make the appeal in Ughelli recently, when he was reacting to lectures delivered by two prominent Deltans, Professor Godin Darah and General Alexander Ogomudia, on Good Governance and the Nigerian State during a conference organised by the Justice Development and Peace Commission JDPC, of the Catholic Diocese of Warri.
HRM, Orhue 1, who made his appeal directly to the bishop, noted that corrupt leaders imposed themselves on Nigerians because those who are suppose to show them the way out through their voting power have refused to participate in election. He said, so many men of God do not come out in most election days to cast their votes, he deduced as reasons why bad leaders often occupies seat of power because the people have failed to do the needful by voting them out.
The royal father however affirmed that, once the bishop is able to come and cast his vote, members of his congregation who maybe reluctant or not aware of the importance of their vote, will quickly follow their leaders footprint by coming out to exercise their franchise. ” My Lord bishop, if your members sees you casting your vote during election, they all will be challenged to come out,” he stated.
He appealed to all clergies irrespective of denomination, to constantly create awareness and educate their members especially those who have not registered for their PVC to do so as the registration exercise will soon come to an end.
He however called on priests and other church leaders to ensure they cast their vote and also encouraged their members to do same. ” You are part of the society and as a way of correcting the wrongs in the society, you are expected to part and this through your homilies and involving in any election to ekect credible leaders.