Fides Media Living the Faith
By Sunny A Ijomah
The Catholic bishop of the Port Harcourt Diocese, the Most Rev. Camillus Archibong Etokudoh, has declared days for fasting and prayer for the success of this year’s general elections.
In a statement made available to Fides, he declared the fast to start on Ash Wednesday, February 22, to Friday, February 24, 2023, for all the faithful of the Diocese.
The Bishop enjoined voters to go out and vote for candidates 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.”
Bishop Etokudoh 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.”
The Bishop 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.”
Furthermore, the Prelate appealed and urged the youth 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,” he said.