By Margaret Tyam
His Grace, Henry Ndukuba, the Primate of All Anglican Communion, has cautioned youths in Nigeria against indulging in electoral violence because its negative effects on human and the nation lasts long.
He gave the advice on Saturday after a special independence service to mark the nation’s 62nd anniversary in Abuja.
He said for the challenges the nation faced, Nigerians needed to engage in prayer, to be proactive, and to actually intend to get out of this roots.
He stressed the need for participation in what was happening, in praying and in taking steps to do the right things, especially as the election campaign had started.
” We want to beg our youths to not give themselves to thuggery or be enslaved, because some of the people that will use them to fight will not use their children to do such.
” Therefore, let them participate but n pursuing peace, in seeing that everyone of us vote and our votes are defended and our vote counts.”
He assured Nigerians that by the grace of God and with the preparations already made by INEC, Nigerians were trusting God that there would be free, fair and credible elections in 2023.
“We are also asking the politicians should conduct themselves that they will do politics without bitterness.
” I advise them that if anyone doesn’t win this season, maybe in the next election it will be their turn.
” Let us do it with love, knowing that it is turn by turn, if God does not allow you to come now, he may give you the next opportunity,” he appealed
The Primate said that the Church also appealed to politicians to ensure that their campaign was done on issues, not use of foul language or attacking anybody.
“Presenting the things that you know you can do and within our resources you can achieve.
” You tell us how you will tackle the present issues that are confronting us in insecurity, in the economy, poverty and unemployment, especially the future that you hold for our youths.
” A greater percentage of our population are unemployed and they are young; we want to see that people running for positions are people willing to tackle our problems and not use the masses to achieve their personal agenda.
“We want to declare that the period of deceit, manipulation, and oppression is over; Nigerians are rising up to take their destiny in their hands and play their role in determining who needs us.”
He further said money bags would not count, what will count is character, honesty, integrity and bearing the welfare of the people in the hands of those who lead and trust in God.
The Bishop assured that with these issues, Nigeria would bounce back, rise again; we are proud Nigerians and we are optimistic that God who raised the dead will restore our voice and break our captivities.
He again advised that as the campaign started, security agencies should be on the alert because Nigerians wouldn’t want any violence and destruction.
” We pray that at the end we will have a lot to celebrate, God bless Nigeria,” he prayed.