Martins Warns Politicians Against Misguided Utterances

AHEAD of the general elections, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins has cautioned politicians to desist from engaging in violence and destruction of lives and property, saying such unruly conduct, if not checked, is capable of casting a shadow on the polls.

   Martins made this remark in reaction to news of politically motivated violence recorded in several parts of the country in recent times, particularly in Oyo State and some other states in the north during the campaign tour of two leading presidential candidates, President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP and General Mohammed Buhari (rtd) of the APC.

   In a statement signed by the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Msgr. Gabriel Osu, the cleric described the reported violent eruptions as unfortunate and misguided, adding that such retrogressive acts of aggression leading to loss of innocent lives and properties, does not augur well for democracy.

  “I feel very pained to hear and read of the several cases of violence recorded in parts of the country, allegedly perpetuated by some of the supporters of the leading political parties. A situation whereby campaign vehicles of opposing parties are set ablaze, to the extent of causing bodily harm on others is unacceptable and barbaric. 

  “Violence would never get us anywhere. We are also very concerned about the threats of post-election violence by leaders of ex-militant groups and other opposing parties. Elections are yet to hold, but the opposing parties are already declaring war, if they lose. This situation does not inspire confidence in the electorate and heats up the polity unduly,” he said.

  He called on the leaders of the various political parties to call their supporters to order.

  While appreciating the call by the Inspector General of Police for the immediate prosecution of all those arrested for allegedly involving in violent political activities, Martins warned Nigerians to remain vigilant and not allow themselves to be used as pawns by unscrupulous elements to achieve their selfish aims to the detriment of their own lives and the future of their children.