Clerics to Nigerians: Don’t vote politicians above 60 years

…If you want to change Nigeria, change yourselves
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anambra State, Most Revd Paulinus Ezeokafor, has asked Nigerians not to vote for politicians above 60 years of age in the 2019 elections.

Describing such politicians as a “burden on the growth and development of the country,” the bishop said they ought to have quit active politics at such an age.

This is even as another Catholic Priest, Reverend Father, Jude Ifeanyi Duruaku, has advised Nigerian political leaders to change themselves if they plan to change the country and make things better for the people.

Speaking on Sunday in Awka, Anambra State, Most Revd Ezeokafor wondered why candidates who retired from service would want to pilot the affairs of the country.

“I can’t understand why retirees would want to seek political offices. Such people are a burden to growth.

“I urge Nigerians to stop electing such people. 2019 is crucial in our history. We should vote wisely; we should avoid voting for retirees.”

He urged Christians to ensure active participation during the 2019 general election, just as he condemned Christians who speak ill of government but would fail to participate in election processes.

He insisted that the only way to vote out the wrong people during elections was to be fully involved, such as by obtaining the Permanent Voter Card and casting one’s vote during elections.

The bishop condemned Christians who sell their votes for a token, adding that such people should be ready to endure the consequences.

He said Christians were entrusted with the responsibility of taking the lead in positive directions, tasking them to eschew nonchalant attitude.

Applauding the recent move by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to check excessive spending by politicians during elections, the cleric said if implemented, it would restore sanity in the electoral process.

Also speaking at the Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Awaka, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, on Sunday, Duruaku urge leaders of Nigeria, to seek the face of God, adding that the level of killings in the country has made it look like a leprosy country, that needed urgent attention.

The Catholic priest who spoke at a thanksgiving mass for the wife of the Imo State Chief Judge, Mrs. Ine Nnadi, in celebration of her promotion to the rank of a Professor of Law, said he was worried that “Nigeria is like a leprosy country, we need a personal commune with God.

God is craving to be with his people. The problem is that people still move from one pillar to the other looking for God, when the solution is there.”

“What is going on in this country, you may think that God is silent, I want to tell you that God has given us the solution and nobody wants to accept it. The lord says my thought for you is for good and not for bad.”