Politics
TWO religious leaders have urged the electorate in Ondo state to maintain the priceless peace in the state and shun violence before, during and after the Nov. 16 governorship poll.
The religious leaders gave the advice in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Okitipupa, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Wednesday
They said that elections should not be a “do-or-die affairs”, but rather the process must be in an atmosphere of peace.
They urged the electorates to troop out enmasse with their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC’s) to their poling units on Saturday and vote wisely for their preferred candidates.
Pastor Peter Akinyelure, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Okitipupa chapter, encouraged the electorate to avoid acts that could disrupt the peace of the state.
He said that the election period should be seen as a time to strengthen community bonds rather than create division.
Akinyelure called on all religious groups, community associations, and family units to educate and remind one another of the importance of a peaceful election.
“Peace is priceless and we cannot afford to lose it over political interests by fighting ourselves and causing trouble that will bring us more troubles.
“Do not engage in vote buying, follow your conscience and vote wisely then leave the outcome in God’s hands,” Akinyelure said.
Similarly, Alhaji Kamaldeen Adeyemi-Bagudu, the Chief Imam in Okitipupa, also advised voters to resist the temptation of vote-buying, thereby mortgage their free-will and conscience.
He added that no amount of money received on election day could sustain them for the next four years.
Adeyemi-Bagudu said “peace is what we want in the forthcoming elections.
“Fighting for politicians is like just fighting ourselves for nothing sake, because politicians will embrace themselves after the election.
“We should stop deceiving ourselves by selling our votes, suppressing our free will and conscience means we mortgage our lives and that of our children for the next four years.
“Go to the polling units and vote your conscience. May God choose the right leaders for us,” he said. (NAN)
13th November, 2024.
C.E.
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