The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, has advised Nigerians to ensure they get their Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) ready and vote only candidates who have shown capacity to lead and unite the country ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Akubeze gave the advice on Sunday in Abuja at the ongoing opening ceremony of the first plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.

The cleric further warned Nigerians not to allow the deceptive campaigns of politicians lure them into voting candidates who have nothing to offer.

He said: “We cannot run away from the fact that very often a people get the kind of government they deserve. Yes, this is true. The numbers of Nigerians who vote are very few. Those who do not vote, have already voted by allowing a few to determine the future of the majority.

“The argument that INEC or other agents may not make our votes count is no longer acceptable. We must exercise our right to vote and then speak to protect our vote. We call on all Nigerians to get their Permanent Voters’ Card and get ready to vote according to their personal conviction of who is capable to lead Nigeria or the state to a better life.

“Vote for those who can ensure the security of life and property. Vote for those who have shown that they have the capacity to unite us as a people. Vote for people who possess the capacity to make Nigeria into industrial hub for Africa. Vote for people who can make Nigeria a land of opportunity for all. Vote for people who can make our dreams come to life. Nigerians must resist the temptation of falling into a divisive political campaign.”

Akubeze, who stated that God was still at work in Nigeria despite the many failures of leaders in the country, stressed that the 2023 election would be presenting Nigerians another opportunity to fix what they got wrong in the past, especially in their participation in the political life of the nation.

“We have failed God as individuals who allow corruption to deprive us of living the good life God has given to us. We have failed God by allowing insecurity and criminality to thrive.

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“However, we are united in our common search for a nation that cares for everyone. We are united in our common dream for a Nigeria that provides opportunities for everyone. We are united in praying and working for a Nigeria where government at all levels are accountable to the people who gave them power,” he added.

Delivering his Homily at the event, the Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, raised concerns over the worsening state of corruption which according to him, was fast spreading to the youths.

Kaigama said: “It should worry us that our young people have learnt the bad ways of Corruption from the elders! When some of them tell you stories of what they have to do to graduate, or to get a good NYSC posting, or to be recruited into security bodies, it is indeed very sad.

“The declining sense of sin and guilt has elevated corruption almost to a cultural status, so that even when our leaders are asked to respond to the threats of terrorism, combat a pandemic, build roads, houses, bridges, and so on.

“Corruption is the arithmetical determinant, our politics is mainly determined by the two factors of religion and tribe and governance is also tainted with dishonest practices. The #EndSARS protests were honest demands of the youths for a better Nigeria. I hope we can transcend selfish parochial interests.

“In the realm of religion, we see leaders eager to sway the crowds to themselves, a sort of personality cult, while others take up to political prophecy or prosperity preaching.

“Worshippers prefer entertaining and dramatic religious services instead of making sober efforts to purge our hearts of evil in order to become the light of the world (cf. Mt. 5:16). The mad search for fertility, wealth, health, and power leads some to ritual killings and bizarre spiritual practices.”

The cleric, who expressed regret that Nigeria was yet to find a selfless leader who was willing to sacrifice his life for the nation and the people, appealed to Christian and Muslim faithful to break the barriers that were tearing them apart.

The Star