NIGERIA: Exercise your Voting Rights Freely, Bishop Dodo Urges

ZARIA, FEBRUARY 5 2019 (CISA)-Bishop George Jonathan Dodo, of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria has called on eligible Nigerians to register as voters and vote freely for leaders of their choice.

The bishop was speaking February 4 at an interfaith press conference organized by the Diocese at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, Zaria, Kaduna State ahead of the February 16 Presidential Elections.

“The Catholic social teaching encourages us as Catholics and patriotic citizens of this nation to be actively involved in civic and political activities…as Nigerians, a responsibility of this nature includes acquiring our Permanent Voters Card (PVC), using votes for the good of Nigeria as a whole, as well as saying no to vote buying, and voting for candidates who are God fearing and accountable,” he said.

He urged the youth to shun political thuggery, and selling of votes for meager amount to unpatriotic politicians with intention of pushing the country into crises.

“…go out come Saturday, February 16 to vote for any candidate of your choice whom you think has good qualities and capacity to defend, improve and, or add value to your lives and dignity,” he said.

He further noted that it was the duty of the Church to sensitize and educate the lay faithful on their civic responsibilities, but the Church would not direct Catholics on whom to vote for because, its membership cuts across all the political parties.