Archbishop Martins Tasks Electorate to be Involved in the Electoral Process to the End.

-Commiserates with Spare Parts Traders in Akere on Losses.

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, the Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins has urged the electorate to see to the end, the 2023 electoral process as we go to the Governorship and states Assemblies polls on the 18th of March 2023. 

In a press statement made available to the public by the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, the prelate tasks the Nigerian populace to go to the polls with a measure of confidence that their votes will count given the efforts made by INEC to put its house in order after the outrage followed the serious flaws that were clear in the elections of February 25th 2023. 

In his own words: “One cannot but commend the Nigerian electorate for their enthusiasm in taking out time to exercise their democratic rights, voting to elect those who would rule this country for the next four years. The importance of this exercise cannot be over-emphasized. The wellbeing of our country, her unity, and progress are dependent on the responsible choices Nigerians make at the polling units. 

Unfortunately, reports of both domestic and international observers from across our country attest to the fact of very serious flaws in the Presidential and National assembly elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The report of the Justice Development and Peace Commission, Lagos, and sister organizations of the JDPC in their various locations in the country also bear testimony to this. The violence and intimidation of voters across the country and the lack of willingness of security agencies to adequately deal with the electoral offenders in many instances has discouraged many potential voters.

Despite this discouraging scenario, I urge people not to be discouraged and to rise above their fears and disappointment to go out and vote at the state level elections. We have a country to build and part of the building process is effective political participation such as casting their votes. Please go out there prayerfully and cast your vote peacefully according to your conscience. 

May I use this opportunity to commiserate with the traders of Akere market on the fire incident, that looks very much like a case of arson, on the loss of life and properties, indeed the loss of their means of livelihood. We pray that the Lord will give them the grace and means to overcome this major setback. We urge the State Government to assist the traders to get back on their feet once again so that they can continue to contribute to the economy of the state.” May God send each of them the helpers they need in this sad moment.