Catholic Bishops in Kogi State have charged the electorate to vote wisely in order to usher in credible leaders with the fear of God to restore the needed good governance in the state.
The plea was contained in a pastoral message to the people of the state signed by the Bishops of Lokoja Diocese, Martins Olorunmolu and his Idah counterpart, Anthony Adaji which was made available to journalists in Lokoja, on Thursday.
According to the Bishops, “we believe that God loves our dear Kogi State and wants all of us, the people of the state, to live in peace and harmony so as to attain social progress and development under God-fearing, capable and honest leaders who will have the welfare of us at heart.”
The Bishops described as unfortunate, the sufferings the people of the state have passed through as a result of bad governance, especially in recent times and urged the electorates to do the needful with the incoming opportunity of electing candidates of their choice come November 16.
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The Bishops further maintained that “as Chief Shepherds, God has given us the responsibility to counsel you on any important social or spiritual matter that affects or will affect your lives significantly in various ways, going by the Scripture saying that the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.”
They also urged the electorates to be thoughtful, careful and prayerful in electing another set of leaders in Kogi to avert the hardships and painful experience of the past bad leadership that had resulted to delay and irregular payment of workers salaries as well as lack of provision of basic infrastructure in the state.
The Bishops, however, noted that attempts are now being made to pay salaries even in small percentages but reminded the people of the damages that have been done before the recent improvement.
They, therefore, urged the people to see the forthcoming election as a golden opportunity to elect leaders that will make their welfare priority number one.
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