2023: Church leaders tasks INEC on credible polls in Abia
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu Umuahia
Christian leaders in Abia State have tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a free, fair and credible governorship and House Assembly election in the State.
The clergymen also urged the INEC administrative Secretary in the state Mr Clement Oha, not allow himself to be used by politicians to manipulate or subvert the out come of the election.
The charge was contained in a statement signed by the chairman Christian Association of Nigeria Abai State chapter Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Agomoh, and 15 other which was made available to our correspondent on Thursday.
The clergymen warned that the set back experienced during the presidential and National Assembly election, where the former Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State Prof Uzochukwu, disappeared from the state on election day should not repeat itself again.
The Christian leaders also warned politicians, their supporters and youths in the State to shun any act of violence capable of disrupting
peace of the State during and after the election.
They however charged all Christan believers in the State to become informed, active and responsive participant in working for the common good of the State by voting for a credible leaders into power.
The statement read in part, “We equally appeal to all INEC staff, full and time and ad-hoc to vehemently resist the temptation to receive bribes or gratification from anybody or group towards manipulating the votes and stealing the mandate of the people.This appeal extends to the National Youth Service Corps members working for INEC.
“We saw few days ago, a video of a man threatening that his candidate must win even if it means sacrificing human beings. We commend the security agencies for containing him and reiterate that the agencies should not rest on their oars as some elements are planning to unleash mayhem, disrupt the electoral process and steal the people’s mandate.
“The church leaders call for each citizen to act responsibly in playing their role as we will all answer to posterity, and most importantly. God.
“Youths should desist from political thuggery and violence, voters should shun all forms of vote buying, nepotism and corruption.
“INEC officials should conduct themselves responsibly, shun tardiness by arriving at polling units early with all necessary materials and conducting the election fairly and transparently, ensuring that all approved legal procedures and guidelines are strictly followed.
“We will continue to pray for peace, justice and progress and we believe that God has answered our prayers”.