Emeritus Archbishop and Dean, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Maxwell Anikwenwa, has joined the call for eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to enable them exercise their franchise in the forthcoming general elections.
Archbishop Anikwenwa made the call during the dedication of Our Saviour’s Church, Awka in Anambra state by the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim.
He said Nigerians’ duty remains casting their votes wisely during elections regardless of religious affiliations, describing as foolish those who complain about election results when they refused to vote.
“Every Nigerian, irrespective of religious beliefs, should register and collect his or her PVC in order to carry out their civic responsibility of voting during elections.
“It’s an important duty of every Nigerian citizen to vote during elections.
Whoever that doesn’t contribute in this all important responsibility should not complain.
“Whether the outcome favours you or not, you’ve done your bit. You don’t need to worry.
“But if you don’t vote, you don’t need to complain; it’s as simple as that,” said the Archbishop Anikwenwa.
Earlier in his sermon titled “Never give up”, drawn from Matthew 15:21, Archbishop Ibezim urged the congregation not to allow life challenges to hinder them from worshipping and rendering services to God.
He also commended the parishioners for their contributions towards the growth and expansion of the church, urging them not to relent, especially towards the proposed vicarage.
“Worshipping God brings miracles. Don’t allow life challenges stop you from serving God; and don’t complain whenever you’re asked to do something in the church because it’s a privilege to work for God,” he added.
On his part, chairman, Dedication Committee, Chief Chukwuemeka Orjiakor, appreciated God for being part of the epoch-making event, urging the congregation to join hands to ensure the vicarage was completed in record time.
One of the dignataries at the occasion, Samuel Nwofor, was full of gratitude to God for the rapid spiritual and numerical growth the church had recorded since inception.
Nwofor, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Awka South 1, Anambra State House of Assembly, also expressed joy at the improved turnout of voters at the PVC collection centres.
He urged those yet to collect theirs not to sit at home and complain about those in power, insisting their votes would definitely count, only if they vote and vote right.
Edited by Amaka E. Nliam