The Vicar General, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos and Episcopal Vicar of Ikeja Region, Monsignor John Aniagwu yesterday urged Christians to take part in the electioneering process of 2023 by collecting their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs).
Aniagwu who is also the parish priest of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos, who was represented by the Associate Parish Priest, Rev. Father Emmanuel Omoroke, SMMM spoke at a press briefing to mark the St. Leo Cathedral’s 50th anniversary, which began on Wednesday, August 24 and will end on Sunday, September 4.
The Priest, who lamented the worsened security situation in Nigeria, stated that prayers for the country is one of the main focus of the anniversary, adding that there’s nothing difficult for God.
He stated that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of the participants of the anniversary. He said: “We ask Christians to join politics, to take part. After collecting their PVCs, they should vote. Christians should be involved in Nigeria politics.”
Chairman, Planning Committee for the anniversary, Taiwo Obileye urged Christians to be worthy examples to change the narrative for good in the political agenda of the country.
“They should go there and make positive changes and not join the crowd. When they get there, let their Christian lifestyle be what will change the situation in our politics. That’s the kind of Christians that we want to participate in politics,” he said.
He added, “There is no one that is not aware that the security situation has worsened and deteriorated to large extents and so everybody has asked what the government is doing. Sometimes they are winning, sometimes they’re losing, but they are trying except that everybody expects them to do more.”
Obileye said that no church should instigate their congregation against any of the presidential candidates, saying that the candidates’ manifestoes should be more of consideration.
“No church will say support this person or do not support that person. That’s not the Church’s business. The church will only say look at what each person is willing to do to right the wrongs in the country in all the different areas of life, economy, security and employment. The church is not ever going to support one political party or contestant against the others.
“The Church does not do that. We will never do that. And of course, everybody is encouraged to participate in the electioneering process. Having gone through the process of getting your PVCs, then go use it. It’s only when you use it, that you can make the change that you want, and there should be no fear in people about going out to vote. Because it is when they go out to vote, that they can have what they’re hoping for. There’s no point in having your voter cards to decorate your house. Please go use the voter’s card. We’re hoping that whoever comes in will improve the lifestyle of the people.”
The activities of the anniversary kicked off on Wednesday with a three-day special prayers event christened Triduum of prayer. Other activities are targeted at the children and youths, sick and homebound parishioners.
“Sport and games are not left out. There will be a variety of indoor and outdoor games and sporting activities, for which prizes will be awarded to victorious participants.
“The golden jubilee programme will be brought to a close with a grand finale on Sunday, September 4. The activities on that day will kick off with the golden jubilee Mass at 10am to be concelebrated by the Archbishop and a large number of priests.”
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