By Michael Nnebife
As activities for the 2027 General Elections gather momentum, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, has called on the students of Rosa Mystica High School, Agulu, to advise their parents or guardians to vote the right candidate for the liberation of Nigerians from the shackles of bad leadership.
‎The Catholic Bishop, who made the call while delivering a homily during his visit to the school last Sunday, also advised the students to ignore individuals campaigning against the possibility of an Igbo person winning the Presidential Election now.
‎While reflecting on the readings of the day, the Bishop emphasized that Christians had secular obligations for a country as people living as citizens.
‎’It is right and just for us to do our duties for the state – to pay taxes, to vote during elections.
‎’Don’t say you are too small and not yet 18. The decision you make concerning the 2027 Election will affect all of us; whether you are a minor or a major.
‎’Those of you who are 18 and above must get your voters’ cards so that you can vote because your vote will help to make things better,’ the Bishop told the students.
‎’As you vote, vote people you think have the right policies, and think well for common good.
‎’It is true that sometimes votes may not count, but they can count this time,’ the Prelate assured the students, and urged them to go to polling units on an election day to vote and stay behind after voting to protect their votes.
‎’What happened in Osun State made it clear that in spite of the federal might and the almighty APC people can still say what they want and get it.
‎’Also people will be coming to you to ask for your vote, but look for people who have the interest of people at heart – it is very important.
‎’No matter how small you are, we know that the present Federal Government is not the best we can have,’ Bishop Ezeokafor emphasized, and lamented the biting economic situation in the country.
‎’The economy is too bad, the cost of living very high, everything so high, a liter of fuel is 1,400 Naira and minimum wage is 70,000 Naira.
‎’For you to fill a tank of a smallest car – Toyota, Corolla, shuttle now, you need at least fifty-something liters.
‎’This means that your salary for a month is gone. If you go to the market, food, clothes, and any other essential commodities are very expensive.
‎’The insecurity in the land, the killings in the land, the borrowing by the Federal Government, and the rest of them are increasing,’ he told the students.
‎’I know you may be saying, you are a child, but I know there are some of you that are up to 18 and above. But above all, whether you are old or young, you will suffer the same thing.
‎’We want you to advise your parents or guardians on what to do concerning the coming Presidential Election.
‎’Don’t mind those who are saying an Igbo man cannot be President now. They are big liars, they are very selfish, because it is clear that in the Nigerian arrangement, we have three major ethnic groups – Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.
‎’Obasanjo from Yoruba ruled eight years, Tinubu is almost taking four years, and looking for more, then the north – Hausa Fulani, have been having it (presidency),’ the Bishop said, lamenting that no Igbo man has been a President since after the First Republic till date.
‎’So, how can somebody who is with his right senses tell us it is not yet our turn, except if such a person or persons have personal interest.
‎’Therefore, when you hear such persons, use your brains to know why you should vote the right person,’ Bishop Ezeokafor continued to advise the students.
‎He further enjoined them to take their studies seriously, live holy lives and stay very close to Jesus Christ and his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, through their lifestyles.
‎The Chief Shepherd of Awka Diocese who blessed a gigantic chapel equipped with all necessary materials for complete worship of God, asphalted school’s main avenue, and magnificent school gate at the school, prayed that the students would receive grace that would enable them to be useful to themselves, their parents, society and God.
‎He commended the infrastructural and spiritual development in the school, and thanked the School Manager, Rev Fr Paul Chimezie, and the entire Management, including individuals that contributed to the development.
‎Administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 138 students, investiture of 205 new students, inauguration of the 2026/2027 academic year, unveiling of the year’s academic goal, and flag-off of the school’s inter-house sports incorporated in its 60th anniversary that came on October 24, also featured in the pastoral visit.
