NIGERIA: Elect Leaders Carefully, Bishops Urge

ABUJA, FEBRUARY 12, 2019 (CISA)-The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called upon Nigerians to reflect soberly, and put the interests of the country first as they prepare to vote on February 16.

“Elections give us an opportunity to assess those who want to govern us. We must therefore think very carefully, because electing our leaders comes with moral obligations and responsibilities,” reads a statement signed by Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze, the president of CBCN.

The bishops appealed to citizens to have faith in the election process, go out and cast their votes guided by their conscience.

They urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the security Agencies to be alert in discharging their duties by ensuring that Nigeria has free, fair and credible elections since, “The world is looking up to us and expecting much from us.”

“We invite our fellow countrymen and women to turn to God in these trying times. We know that God has shown and continues to show His love and care for us. Let us continue in prayer for our brothers and sisters who are in politics, especially those of them who are seeking elective positions,” they said.

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu on February 7 assured members of the Administrative Board of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria on the commissions’ commitment to conduct free fair and credible General Elections.