Religious leaders in Imo State have offered prayers for God’s intervention over the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

They also appealed to the entire Imo citizens to embrce and support effort that would make the coming election in the state credible and peaceful.

The religious leaders made the appeal at a one-day interactive meeting with management staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in the state, held in Owerri.

Speaking, Rev. Eches Divine Eches, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Imo State chapter and Prince Bashir Muhammed Uwakwe, Chairman, Imo State Muslim Council, among others promised to assist with effort that would help ensure that the coming guber election meets the expectations of the people.

They also commended the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof. Sylvia Agu for her determined effort to ensure that the election exercise is hitch-free.

Speaking earlier, Prof. Agu said the meeting, which also had attendance of faith based groups, was organised by the Commission in preparation for the scheduled November 11th guber poll in the state.

While stressing on the important roles of the religious leaders as agents of change and opinion moulders, she appealed to them to support the Commission in its effort to achieve improved performance in the entire exercise.

In her words, “you are conversant with the circumstances that put us as one of the states conducting off cycle election, where our gubernatorial elections shall be conducted on November 11th alongside Bayelsa and Kogi States.

“Therefore, it becomes very necessary to gather us together to solicit your usual cooperation in the area of sensitizing your members to be part of the process.”

She continued, “you are all super models in your own rights and as such occupy a large space in moulding the characters and thoughts of the electorates. You have the capacity to engage them and turn them into being patriotic citizens.

“I therefore, request that you partner with INEC in sensitizing and encouraging your members to actively participate in the election process, from PVC collection to voting on election day and protecting their votes in line with electoral guidelines. You have the capacity to handle this.”

“Please continue to pray for our country and with God on our side, we will succeed.” she added.

Photo: INEC REC, Imo State, Prof. Sylvia Agu (m) and other management staff of the Commission in a group photograph with Religious leaders and faith based groups at the interactive meeting.