ABUJA – Rev. Fr. Jude Nwigwe, a Catholic Priest in Abuja on Wednesday expressed optimism that the 2015 general elections in the country would be peaceful.
Nwigwe, a Cathedral Administrator at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the election would be hitch-free.
The priest urged Nigerians to be at peace and pray for the successful conduct of all the elections.
“If you look at the issue of election year; people are not at peace, it is not new, check all the years we have had elections, it has always been panic.
“I’m very optimistic that 2015 elections will come and go like every other ones.
“ Some people will win and some will lose and no matter how it will be, it will come and go and God will give us peace and unity.
“All the same, we encourage our government to make sure that they put all the necessary security measures on ground to alleviate the fears of the people,’’ he said.
Similarly some Christians, who spoke with NAN, expressed optimism that the elections would be devoid of violence.
Mr Onyinye Nwagbara said: “There is no need to entertain any fears, we will do the elections in a peaceful atmosphere by the grace of God.
“I believe that God will see us through so Nigerians should beware of rumour of violence because rumour kills more than war fare.’’
Mrs Augusta Effiong, a civil servant urged Nigerians to exercise their franchise during the elections, saying that there would not be any problem.
“I don’t entertain any fear; I will go and cast my vote, those that are aspiring for trouble will get it.
“Nigeria is noted for peaceful elections and 2015 elections will not be different,’’ she said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Imam of Apo Legislator’s Quarters Mosque, Sheikh Nuru Khalid, on Wednesday urged Nigerians to live in peace wherever they found themselves.
He gave the advice in an interview with NAN in Abuja.
Khalid said that it had become imperative because of the current security challenge facing the country.
He reminded Nigerians irrespective of their socio-political, economic and religious affiliations to know that no nation could develop without peace.
Khalid also urged Nigerians to be prayerful, adding that prayer was the only key to overcoming the nation’s present security challenge.
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He advised both Muslims and Christians to always think of leaving a good legacy behind for the younger generations.
Khalid urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government in its quest to tackle insecurity in the country, saying it should not be left in their hands alone.
He advised the nation’s security agents to be more proactive and network effectively in order to bring the activities of insurgents to a halt.
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Khalid admonished the Independent National Electoral Commission to always play the role of an umpire in charge of the nation’s electoral system for prosperity.
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“ If INEC gets it right, it is assumed that the nation will get it right in all spheres.
“ But if they get it wrong, it will go a long way in tarnishing the good image of the country both within and outside,” he said.
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Khalid however cautioned politicians and their followers to play by the rule and avoid politics of do or die if our getting it right democratically was anything to go by. (NAN)
