SECAM Hopes Nigeria’s General Elections Will Produce Leaders “with justice, integrity”

He adds, “SECAM prays and hopes that the elections will be free and fair and produce leaders who will lead Nigeria with justice and integrity.”

“In recognition of the prophetic role which your Conference has played thus far in the history of Nigeria, we assure you of our solidarity and prayers,” the Local Ordinary of Kinshasa Archdiocese in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) says.

The Congolese member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (O.F.M., Cap) who serves as the President of the Justice, Peace and Development Commission of SECAM implores, “May Mary, the Queen of Africa, intercede for your dear country at this great moment in history.”

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Nigeria’s Port Harcourt Diocese has declared three days of fasting and prayer for the success of the general elections in Africa’s most populous nation. 

In his statement issued Wednesday, February 15, Bishop Camillus Archibong Etokudoh says the fasting is expected to start on Ash Wednesday, February 22 to Friday, February 24 in his Episcopal See. 

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In the statement, Bishop Archibong calls on eligible voters in Nigeria to go out and vote for the candidates of their choice.

“Vote for any candidate of your choice. Vote according to your conscience. Vote for someone that is good and not for selfish interest,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop says.

He appeals to Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct transparent elections.

“I appeal to the Government, Security Agents and Mass Media to provide a level playing ground for all political parties in order to have free, fair, credible and peaceful elections at all levels,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop says.

He adds, “Those who will not win at the polls should accept their defeat in the spirit of sportsmanship.”

“Those who win should know that they are called and elected to serve the people and not their selfish gains,” Bishop Archibong says.

He urges the youths to “shun all forms of violence before, during and after the forthcoming elections.”

“Youths should not allow themselves to be used as thugs by politicians,” Bishop Archibong says in his February 15 message.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.