Catholic bishop warns politicians, voters against rigging, violence

•Adeboye, others urge electorate to vote without fear, reject retired leaders
Catholic Bishop of Zaria Diocese, Most Reverend George Jonathan Dodo, has warned politicians against rigging and violence in the upcoming elections.

The bishop gave the warning at an interfaith press conference organised by the Diocese at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, Zaria, Kaduna State.

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

He said: “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 urged the people “to 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 further stated that it was the duty of the Church to sensitise and educate “the lay faithful on their civic responsibilities, but it didn’t direct Catholics on whom, or about who to vote for, because its membership is not made of any one political party, but cut across all the political parties.”

Also, the General Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, called on Nigerians to allay every fear and exercise their franchise in the coming elections.

He said voting encompasses not only obeying the commandment of God to vote, but also to vote for credible candidates.

The cleric gave the charge yesterday at the headquarters of RCCG, Throne of Grace, Ebute-Metta, through the Assistant General Overseer, Admininistration & Personnel, Pastor Funso Odesola, during the monthly thanksgiving service with the theme: “Carrier of God’s Glory.”

“Nigeria is in the hands of God and we have been praying for mercy and know that certainly, God will show us mercy and people do not need to entertain any fear,” he said.

Similarly, Senior Pastor, Prevailers’ Arena, Dopemu Lagos, Peter Yakubu, urged Nigerians to come out en mass and vote out the retired leaders handling the affairs of the nation.

He gave the charge at a special church service to mark his 50th birthday.