GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS: Cleric Urges Nigerians To Promote Peace, Eschew Violence
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By OLALEKAN AYENI – The Assembly Pastor of Stand on His Promised Evangelical Mission (SOHPEM), Revd Caleb Babatope, urged Nigerian political leaders and electorates, especially in Lagos State to promote peace and eschew all forms of violence before, during and after the declaration of governorship results.
The clergyman stated this shortly after the Sunday service at the church’s headquarters in Lagos. He said prayers, sustainability of peace and orderliness during and after the elections is the only weapon to bring back the country’s lost glory.
“As Nigerians preparing for governorship and states’ lawmakers elections which are coming up on March 11, am calling on Lagosians, and Nigerians at large to embrace wisdom that is better than weapons of war so that the elections can be turn into a stepping stone towards building up every states and Nigeria into the greatest nation of the world.
“We must eschew violence and assist the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure a transparent and credible exercise because democracy does not express itself through violence. An average Nigerians are peace loving, trusting and patient among African countries,” Revd Babatope, added.
He hereby reiterates the need for citizens irrespective of their religious, ethnic and political affiliations to embrace peace and ensure the safety of one another before, during and after the elections.
Revd Babatope cautioned youth against being used as political thugs that could jeopardize their future. “All youth should be mindful of what the future holds for them. Anyone present himself/herself as a political thug will be stabbing his or her future with a sword.
“Every youth should vote according to their conscience in line with democratic principles and not through coercion. You have rights to protect your votes but avoid acts of violence that could threaten a credible electoral exercise,” the clergyman, added.
