The Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Lagos North Diocese, Rt. Rev. Gboyega Ohu, has called on politicians to shun thuggery.
Speaking at a press conference, ahead of the diocese’s 10th anniversary, Ohu , also urged Nigerians of voting age to register and obtain their Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC), so as to participate actively in enthroning credible leaders in the forthcoming polls.
“Expectedly, the political drums are already sounding, gearing all Nigerians towards 2023. It is however no gainsaying that the next general elections are a litmus test which this country must not fail,” he stressed.
Pressed further, he said, “everybody within the voting age must get prepared by obtaining the Permanent Voter’s Card to exercise the needed franchise. Campaign must be civil and thuggery must be shunned.
“All hands must be on deck. Gone are the days when party politics and governance are left in the hands of the jobless and illiterates. If anyone is qualified and ready to serve selflessly, let such come out and do so according to the rules of the game. The electorate should not at any point and for any reason be lured into selling their votes as this accounts to mortgaging the future of this country, especially the unborn children. As far as we are concerned from the church, may the best candidate win the race,” he maintained.
The Bishop commended Lagos governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Samwoolu , and the government for their target setting projects in turning the state metropolis and other cities into world-class municipalities.
He said further: One can easily project what the entire state is likely to become in no distant time. Obviously, Lagos is setting the pace which will certainly be a masterpiece for other cities in Nigeria and indeedother African countries to copy.
“But, I must sound a note of warning, that the ongoing development must not be politicized. All timelines must be met and I enjoin the cooperation of the entire citizenry to pay their taxes and not to get involved in anything that is inimical to the facilities being put in place for the progress of the state and the well being of the people,” he advised.
The man of God urged the Central Bank of Nigeria as the financial and economic regulator should be made to watch the inflation digits as well as the commercial bank borrowing digits and make it business-friendly to attract the development and growth of SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) will a view of enhancing industrial, social and infrastructural advancement which will encourage young and upcoming entrepreneurs to have sustaining faith in the country,’ the cleric said.