Catholic Church to deploy 4,889 observers for general elections

THE Catholic Church, through its agency, Caritas Nigeria;  is to deploy about 4889 observers to monitor elections in 23 states during this month’s general elections.

Meanwhile, the agency has called on Christian and Islamic religious leaders to sensitise their followers on the need to shun violence before, during and after the polls.

Briefing journalists  in Abuja,  the Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria and National Secretary of JDPC, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey appealed to clergymen against incisive comments and partisanship in delivering of homilies just as he frowned at at he use  of abusive language on the social media.

The cleric observed that several forms of humanitarian crises were already brewing in the country,  adding that there was the silent ‘Sahel food crisis’ affecting the food and nutrition needs of those states in the Sahel region like Sokoto, Kebbi and Yobe.

According to him,  there is also  the post-flood humanitarian crisis, with many still to recover their livelihoods even after billions of naira had been collected as well as the potential Niger Delta crisis which could erupt anytime, and the mother of all humanitarian crises caused by Boko Haram which has led to the greatest displacements and misery since the civil war.

He said: “On top of all these are the potential dangers and humanitarian emergencies that may arise because of the already charged presidential elections. From our discussions with our partners in some parts of the country, the certain towns and cities are already so charged that potentially lives and properties are not safe, depending on the outcome of the elections. It does appear that a predetermined outcome for the elections is demanded by some groups that no matter how free and fair it is, if it does not suit them, they would resort to violence that could lead to loss of lives”.