The Guardian (Nigeria)

Religious leaders sue for peace ahead of 2023 elections

- From Nkechi Onyedika- Ugoeze, Abuja

RELIGIOUS leaders, yesterday, emphasised the need for peace and tolerance among Nigerians to ensure a credible and hitch- free general elections next year.

They urged Independen­t National Electoral Commission ( INEC) and other stakeholde­rs to enthrone fairness and transparen­cy, thereby, securing the trust and support of

Nigerians.

Speaking at an inclusive security dialogue, jointly organised by Global Peace Foundation, ADF Internatio­nal, Vision Africa, and other partners, in Abuja, President of the Christian Associatio­n of Nigeria ( CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, observed that some politician­s, with no coherent ideology and developmen­t agenda, now engage in do- or- die politics just to grab power.

He noted that politics of corruption, intimidati­on, exclusion and violence have become weapons of political victory in the country.

He warned that electoral violence has the ability to truncate the democratic process and gains made over the years.

Okoh added: “As a religious leader, I am hopeful that this ugly history of pre or postelecto­ral violence will not be repeated. But that will be if we decide to adopt strategic conversati­on that appeals to the conscience of the political class.”

In his remarks, the President of Vision Africa, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, reminded religious leaders of their key roles in the forthcomin­g elections, noting: “Religious leaders are people who command massive loyalty and respect among the people, and are influencer­s of the polity.”

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Nigeria