The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has directed all Catholics to hold a three-day fast beginning Wednesday, February 13 to 15, for the success of the forthcoming general elections, which begin with presidential election on Saturday, February 16.
They are also to especially pray the Holy Rosary for the three days.
A letter signed by the body’s President and Secretary, Most Revs Augustine Akubueze and Camillus Umoh, respectively, urged all Nigerians to lift the country and the elections in prayer so that all may go well.
It said: “We invite our fellow countrymen and women to turn t God in these trying times. We know that God has shown and continues to show us His love and care for us. Let us continue in prayer for our brothers and sisters who are in politics, especially those of them who are seeking elective positions.
“They have offered themselves to us to consider them for public service. And to those our brother and sisters either already in office or seeking to be elected, we say, be effective witnesses to “Truth and Light” for the common good otherwise we invite you to bow out.”
Inviting Nigerians to go out and vote, the Bishops however, said people must give careful thought to the choices they make. “We must think carefully, because electing our leaders comes with moral obligations and responsibilities. We wish to appeal to our fellow citizens to please put cynicism aside and go out to cast their votes on election day, guided by their conscience.”
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They equally admonished the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the security agencies to ensure a hitch free process. “We further appeal to the Security Agencies and INEC TO rise up to their duties and responsibilities to ensure that we have peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
“We nevertheless reiterate that the primary responsibility for this lies with the government. We are encouraged by the recent declaration of the President in this regard. Our future depends on this and we urge the relevant bodies to put our nation before any other consideration.”
The Catholic Bishops reminded all that “the world was looking up to us and expecting much from us.”
