2023: Don’t Sell Your Votes, Catholic Bishop Tells Nigerians

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, John Oyejola has called on Nigerians to refuse every form of inducement before and during the 2023 general election.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja by the national director of the Directorate of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Mike Nsikak Umoh, Oyejola gave the charge while felicitating with members of the church to mark the beginning of a new liturgical year.

The eminent priest, who urged Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), warned them against selling their votes, but rather they should vote their conscience and ensure that someone who would restore peace and unity to the country attains power.

“As the calendar year 2022 closes, it draws us closer to the general election in 2023. We appreciate the tremendous improvement we have recorded in the conduct of the last gubernatorial election due to the new electoral law and the introduction of technology. We, however, must improve on the observed conduct of the last election, especially regarding the vote buying and the refusal to participate in the election.”

“I once again admonish you as I earlier did in my exhortation to collect your PVC and encourage others to do the same, go out on Election Day and vote with your conscience for someone that you believe would serve you and bring peace and tranquility to the country at large. Be models and examples for others at polling units by refusing every form of inducement.

“May the mysteries of Christ which the liturgical year bears fortify us and give us divine peace in the year 2023. 

May the infant birth of Christ which we celebrate in the mysteries of Christmas bring about a rebirth of peace, justice, love, and true fear of God in our country and the world at large. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a prosperous happy new year,” he said.

And in his Christmas message, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Emmanuel Badejo, urged Nigerians, especially Christians to do more for their families and ensure there is true love among them.

The bishop in the message titled: “The Language of Christmas is Love,” urged parents to take care of their children and that all should learn humility from the baby Jesus.

“At Christmas, we must remember that when we have done all we can in any circumstance, surrendering to God in complete trust like Mary is the best solution. It all adds up as the language of Christmas, the language of love,” he said.