‘It’s despicable’ — Anglican Bishop condemns political campaign by religious leaders

Christian Onyia, bishop of Nike Anglican Diocese, Enugu says it is condemnable for religious and traditional leaders to openly endorse political parties and their preferred candidates.

The bishop spoke during the 2nd session of the 6th synod of the diocese held at the Church of the Beatitudes, Trans Ekulu, Enugu, on Saturday.

“Some church leaders turned the pulpit as a place to campaign for political parties and their preferred candidates,” Onyia said.

“It is despicable and condemnable. In some other places, traditional rulers who are known supporters of the ruling party, imposed midnight curfews to perform ‘Oro’ rights, slaughtered animals, and strategically placed the sacrifices at voting centers to scare voters.”

Speaking on the election petitions before the tribunal, Onyia urged the judiciary to uphold its reputation by administering justice.

“I encourage the judiciary to rise up to the occasion and redeem its battered image by dispensing justice without fear or favour,” he said.

“This will not only boost the confidence of voters and Nigerians in our judiciary and electoral process but also increase the turnout rate in the next elections.” 

The bishop also suggested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should conduct a voter register audit while simultaneously prosecuting election criminals to act as a deterrence to future offenders.

Onyia asserted said INEC must address a variety of difficulties in future elections, including poor voter turnout, violence, delays in the distribution of election materials, and the transmission of results.

“To all the candidates who lost the elections or were rigged out, kindly pursue your cases through the legal process.

“Do not encourage or participate in violence or any other illegal act.”