Nigerian bishops call for fair elections, warn against selling votes

By (CNA/EWTN)
1/22/2019 (5 months ago)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)

As the Nigerian presidential election approaches, the Catholic Bishop's Conference in the country emphasized the importance of electoral honesty and cautioned citizens against political corruption.

Highlights

By (CNA/EWTN)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
1/22/2019 (5 months ago)

Published in Asia Pacific

Keywords: Nigerian bishops, fair elections, against selling votes

---

Lagos, Nigeria, (CNA/EWTN News) - The Nigerian general election take place Feb. 16, with voters electing the country's president and national assembly. President Muhammadu Buhari is up for re-election. The other major nominee is former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. 

The Nigerian Bishops Conference released a statement on the election Jan. 19 after meeting at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Lagos, Nigeria. The statement was signed by Archbishop Adewale Martins of Lagos, president of the conference.

"Being an election year, 2019 appears delicate; we call on Nigerians to carry out their civic responsibilities with diligence and patriotism," the statement read, according to Pulse Nigeria.

"Nigerians should see the election as a duty to enthrone good leadership, and no amount of financial inducement should sway us."

The statement specifically warned against illegal voting practices " such as buying or selling votes.

"To sell one's vote is to sell one's conscience, as good citizens, we must avoid actions that will reduce the credibility of the elections," the bishops said.

They also encouraged Nigerians to reject political parties and politicians involved with violence and corruption. They challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act fairly.

"The hopes of a free and fair election in Nigeria rests on the ability of INEC to be neutral in the discharge of its duties," they said.

More Asia Pacific

• « Prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next »

UN approves investigation into drug war in the Philippines Watch

The UN Human Rights Council has approved a resolution to launch an investigation into the violent war on drugs taking place in the ... continue reading

---

Catholic woman with schizophrenia being held for blasphemy in Indonesia Watch

 A mentally ill woman who identified herself as a Catholic is being held for blasphemy in Indonesia after an incident last week in ... continue reading

---

---

Chinese officials crack down on religious funerals, weddings Watch

As the Communist Party of China continues to tighten its grip on the regulation of religion and religious activity, a human rights group is ... continue reading

---

Families are a radical witness to hope in modern society, Archbishop Gomez says Watch

The Christian family must become a "radical" sign against a climate of despair and isolation Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles said ... continue reading

---

Christian leaders call for dialogue, end to violence in Hong Kong Watch

Hundreds of thousands of protestors in Hong Kong are continuing to demonstrate against the government's plans to allow extraditions to ... continue reading

---

• « Prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next »