The Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Most Rev. Camillus A. Etokudoh has declared days for fasting and prayer for the success of this year’s general elections.
In a statement made available to Catholic Link, the Bishop declared the fast to start on Ash Wednesday 22nd to Friday 24th February, 2023, for all the faithful of the Diocese.
He enjoined voters to go out and vote for candidate of their choice. “Vote for any candidate of your choice. Vote according to your conscience. Vote for someone that is good and not for selfish interest”.
The Bishop appealed to INEC to conduct transparent elections.
“I appeal to the Government, Security Agents and Mass Media to provide a level playing ground for all political parties in order to have free, fair, credible and peaceful elections at all levels”.
He explained that elections should not be seen as do-or-die affairs. “Those who will not win at the polls should accept their defeat in the spirit of sportsmanship. Those who win should know that they are called and elected to serve the people and not their selfish gains”, he said. Furthermore, he appealed and urged the youths to “shun all forms of violence before, during and after the forthcoming elections. Youths should not allow themselves to be used as thugs by politicians”.
