2019 elections have monumental importance for Nigeria —Catholic Bishops

As Nigerians go to the polls beginning from Saturday to elect leaders at various levels, Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, have stated that a departure from the past of disappointing elections was imperative for Nigeria.

The Bishops of Ibadan Archdiocese said in a communique issued after their meeting, that better, free, fair and credible elections were important for the country, for its growth and integral human development.

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In the communique signed by their president, Most Reverend Gabriel Abegunrin and secretary, Most Reverend John Oyejola, the bishops held that the “not-so-positive” experiences of the past elections made the coming polls to be of prime importance for the country, and charged all stakeholders to genuinely see that the process and conduct of the polls are credible.

They said: “Given the high expectations of Nigerians and the not-so-positive experience during past elections, having a better performance at the forthcoming exercise assumes monumental importance for Nigeria.

“Most countries of the world improve from election to election and are reaping tangible benefits and dividends in economic growth and integral human development. Our country must not be different but aim at taking its rightful place in the comity of nations.”

The bishops charged that Nigeria and Nigerians to “learn from and improve on our past mistakes and hold elections that are not only truly free and fair, but also that are seen to be so.”

They said: The current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari must deliver on its promise not to unduly influence the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which must also improve in its good efforts so far by according all contestants at all levels, equal importance and equal opportunities.”