By Stanley Nwanosike —
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged religious leaders to enlighten their followers on the need to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) ahead of the forthcoming election.
Mr Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Enugu and Anambra states, made the appeal in an interactive session with religious leaders in Enugu on Tuesday.
Okoye urged them to impress it on their followers to ensure that the election was peaceful.
He also urged them to discourage spread of fake news, which is intended to discredit the collective effort towards credible election.
“Nigeria needs prayers now.
“Kindly use your respected and holy positions as clergymen to seek the face of the Almighty God for a peaceful, free, fair and credible general election,’’ he said.
Dr Emeka Ononamadu, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, noted that previous robust engagement with religious leaders led to a successful Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the state.
“As a non-partisan institution, we wish to remind you that the expectation is not misplaced.
“This is because many, if not all political players are either your worshipers or followers.
“This is a status you cannot afford to gamble with as we get closer to the general election,’’ he said.
Mr Isaac Onukwuba, the state Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), urged religious leaders to mobilise their followers to ensure peace before during and after the election.
“Religious leaders must be in the forefront of encouraging people to come out massively to participate in collecting PVCs and actual voting,’’ Onukwuba said.
The religious leaders, however, urged INEC to make adequate provision for security as well as ensure that the election commence early enough as promised.
Very Rev. Fr. Benjamin Eze, the Vice Chairman of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), thanked INEC for the engagement and giving religious leaders time to get answers to some pertinent questions bothering them.
Earlier, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi lauded INEC and religious leaders for their synergy towards improving the electoral process.
Ugwuanyi, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, called on religious leaders to continue to admonish their worshipers on the need to maintain peace during election.
“I urge you to use your pulpits to promote peaceful electioneering and actual voting on the day of election.
“I believe that with your cooperation and prayers; the general election will end peacefully,’’ he said. (NAN)
