Edo election: Cleric urges politicians to eschew violence

Polling center

Rev. Jacob Bada, Bishop of Etsako Diocese of the Anglican Communion, has urged politicians in Edo to avoid violence in the Sept. 10 governorship election in the state.

Bada made the call at the opening session of the third Synod of the diocese held at All Saints Cathedral, Auchi, Etsako-West Local Government Area of Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2016 Synod has the theme “The Power of Vision in Leadership.’’

Bada called on candidates taking part in the Edo governorship election to promote peace, urging the electorate to also exercise their franchise without selling their conscience.

“The synod calls on all aspirants and their supporters to play the game according to the rules and eschew violence.

“We encourage men, women, natives and non-natives to be active in the forthcoming election.

“You all must go out to vote and vote your conscience. May the best candidate who will take Edo to the next level be elected,” he said.

The bishop said that leaders could determine the direction of societies and nations, adding that a visionary leader should also come with positive changes.

Bada said that for any nation to be transformed, its leaders and other great compatriots needed to agree to run a selfless and exemplary leadership.

“We know that leadership is very much related to change. As the pace of change accelerates, there is naturally a greater need for effective leadership,” he said.

The bishop commended the Federal Government on its effort in the fight against corruption, but appealed that the authorities should also focus on other aspects of life, including poverty alleviation.

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), urged Nigerians to be patient and have hope in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in reviving the economy.

“It is a difficult job we are doing and we are pleading with people to be patient because the future is brighter than we have ever seen before,” he said.

Earlier, in his keynote address, the Bishop of Lokoja Diocese, Rev. Emmanuel Egbunu, said that good leadership was built on vision.

“Vision is the only thing that will bring fulfilment. A true vision will always build others up, rather than pull them down,” he said.