The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has appealed to Nigerians to keep their faith with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to give the country credible elections.
The cleric who spoke at the Retreat & Pastoral Center, Nodu Okpuno, in Awka South local government of Anambra State while reacting to the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections by INEC, noted that the development came to him as a shock.
While noting that the situation caused serious financial loss to many Nigerians especially those who traveled from far and near to be part of the process, Bishop Ezeokafor said the challenges notwithstanding, Nigerians should place the nation’s interest above personal gains.
He urged Nigerians not to be demoralised or disillusioned by the postponement but rather come out on Saturday to vote for leaders who have the interest of the masses at heart.
Noting that it has never been heard that election was postponed on the exact day it was scheduled to hold, the cleric said it was, however, better to have a delay and get it right than rush into it and get it wrong.
While cautioning against violence, vote-buying, and selling which he said was a mortal sin, as nothing was worth mortgaging one’s conscience, he charged INEC to prove their worth by organising elections that would be devoid of rancour and preference, but free, fair and credible.
