Follow Us on Google
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, has advised politicians seeking political offices in the 2023 general elections to double their efforts in order to stand a chance to win the confidence and vote of the electorates.
He said the reason for the advice was because the 2023 general elections will not be business as usual as Nigerians are wiser, enlightened and increasingly ready to participate in the political process that would herald the emergence of a new set of political leaders.
He stressed the need for them to have a rethink and adopt a new approach to the forthcoming general elections, warning that otherwise could be catastrophic for them
The Anglican Primate dropped the advice in Abuja, on Tuesday, shortly after the consecration of three new Anglican Bishops, namely, Bishop Benjamin Ameh Enwuchola (Otukpo Diocese); Bishop Christian Chukwudi Anyim (Isukwuato-Umunneoch Diocese); and Bishop Isaac Adeyemi Adeniji (Ilaje Diocese).
The Primate said: “2023 general elections is an opportunity for us to make a change as citizens of this nation. The 2023 exercise won’t be business as usual the way politicians think. Many Nigerians have lost hope in this country because of increasing insecurity, unemployment, the collapse of the economy and various social vices.
Read also: BDC operator remanded over alleged N104.3 million fraud
“Undoubtedly, in the past, there was voter apathy among electorates, and that was because they think their vote doesn’t count. But things have changed for good now. Nigerians are more wiser, enlightened and ready to participate in the process. This time, people are ready to cast and defend their votes.
“Lately, we have done massive mobilization to encourage people to participate in the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and get their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) ready, and most importantly, come out en mass to cast their vote on the election day, and also monitor their votes.”
The Anglican Primate said the Church has repeatedly asked politicians to engage in politics without bitterness. “Politics shouldn’t be a do-or-die affair. If a candidate fails to win the election in a particular season, such a candidate shouldn’t feel bad and possibly take to pull down syndrome. There will always be more opportunities to win elections and lead the people if it’s the Will of God.
“But for the 2023 elections, it’s the opportunity for the citizens of Nigeria to cast their vote for people that have the fear of God and are willing and capable of improving the life and welfare of the people. This time, Nigerians are not ready to trade with their vote. Undoubtedly, 2023 will usher Nigerians into a new season of freedom, security, prosperity and God’s blessings.”
The Anglican, however, congratulated the newly consecrated Bishops and charged them to be good ambassadors of Christ and also be in the vanguard for the propagation of the Gospel of Christ in their immediate locality and beyond.
He prayed that God bless them with good health, wisdom and vitality to enable them to pilot the affairs of the church and serve the people under them.
