The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have called on Nigerians to vote for leaders who will be true patriots and servants of the people, responsive to the security and welfare needs of all Nigerians without discrimination.
The Bishops comprising Ibadan Archdiocese, Ilorin, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo and Osogbo Dioceses, made the call after a meeting in Oke Ado, Ibadanvia a communiqué.
The communiqué was signed by the President, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin and Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola, and sent to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti by Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye.
The communique titled; Nigeria: Now is the time of Grace urged eligible Nigerians to secure their permanent voter cards, (PVC), and vote in the elections according to their consciences.
“We Bishops fully identify with the suffering and pains of all Nigerians over these years while enduring numerous threats to the security of life and property, crippling economic downturn and bad political leadership”.
On security, the Bishops said it is “Not yet time for celebration”, but with deep sorrow that they learn of the dastardly murder of yet another dear priest, Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, of the Catholic Diocese of Minna.
They commended the governors of the South West for setting up and sustaining the Amotekun Corps and others for the relatively improved security situation in the Southwest.
The Bishops said “for Government, more work needs to be done” saying authorities should bolster existing security measures to safeguard life and property, add new technology and apprehend and decimate those who engage in such criminal activity in the region and all over the country.
“Nigerians have a right to enjoy free and safe movement wherever they live and go and it is the sacred duty of government to make this possible.
“It is never too late to do the right thing because adequate security of life will have an impact on the integrity of the forthcoming general elections”
The clergymen asked all Nigerian politicians and electoral umpires from the Federal to the grassroots levels to ensure nobility and fairness in their speech and actions towards free, fair and peaceful elections in February.
The Bishops noted that to succeed, Nigerians must be disciplined, obey the law and work and pray, encouraging the youths who are working hard to deliver free and fair elections next month, to persevere.
“Hope does not fail us”, we call on all Nigerians to sustain hope by relying on the unchanging promise of God, which says “Do not be afraid” for I am with you.