As the general election draws near, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, has urged Nigerians not to sell their votes no matter the offer.
The clergyman gave the advice during the priestly ordination of nine (9) deacons and one (1) priest in Lagos, South-West Nigeria.
In a homily, the Archbishop explained that when people sell their votes for money, they sell their rights and privileges.
“Voters, please don’t sell your cards. If you do, you sell your future and lose the right to complain and the right to protest over anything,” he advised.
Expressing optimism that the election will mark a new dawn in Nigeria, Martins also urged those that have registered for their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to go and collect them, as it would enable them to vote for their candidates.
He further called on the politicians to play fair in order to ensure the election is credible and transparent.
”There have been too much difficulties, sufferings and trials in these past years, and so we’re hoping that a new dispensation will ensure that new ways of governance are established so that the lives of the people can be better.
“That means that those who have registered for their PVCs should go and collect them to enable them vote for their candidates,” he stated.
On his part, one of the newly ordained deacons, Rev. Father Christopher Ngbede, expressed joy that the journey he started years ago ended in praise, while praying that God would see them to the end:
“I really thank God who made this day possible. It’s a feeling I’ve never felt before and pray that God who made it possible will see us through.”
One of the parents of the newly ordained deacons, Luke Atani, who could not hide his joy, described it as a rare privilege to give back to God.
“It is a very wonderful thing, and I know heaven will be rejoicing that we are giving him out to Him.
“He’s from God and we’re giving him back to Him for the service of humanity,” he added.
Highlights of the event were the examination of the newly ordained deacons and priest, their profession of obedience and investiture with Stole and Dalmatic.
Edited by Amaka E. Nliam
