– Bishop Ezeokafor to Travel-Intending Electorate
As 2026 Christmas and 2027 New Year festivities draw closer, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Most Rev Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, has appealed to eligible electorate intending to travel to remain in the areas where they were registered to vote in the forthcoming general elections for common good, reports Michael Nnebife.
The Bishop, who made the appeal recently, while reflecting on the state of the nation during a function in Awka, reminded people of the January 16, 2027 Elections, calling on them to endeavour to get their voter’s cards ready.
Recalling the recent Osun State experience, he expressed belief that the votes of Nigerians would count. ‘So, let us have hope,’ Bishop Ezeokafor urged.
He however said that the period of the election affected the people of some regions of the country negatively because by December and January, they would leave their various places of abode to their native homes, for festivities, and return by late January.
’So, for this, we plead with you, if you cannot come back and go back before January 16, stay back where you will vote,’ the Catholic Bishop advised the electorate intending to travel.
’This election is important to us, and it is very important it is done very well.
’Voting period is the only time for you to affirm the government that is doing well, or to reject it. This is the only option available to you,’ the Bishop said, and advised Nigerians to shun vote buying and reject any offer capable of inducing them to vote against their conscience.
’Do not receive anything, do not sell your votes. Before you vote for any candidate, check his antecedents.
’Consider individual, not political party, because when an individual emerges as a winner, he works as an individual, not as a party.
’This is very important because if we have good individuals in the government, definitely, our major problems will be solved.
’I’m saying this because I am a referee. As a pastor, I do not belong to any political party,’ the Chief Shepherd of Awka Diocese said.
He also appealed to government at all levels to collaborate with private schools across the country for the good of every child.
’The governments, both state and the federal, must provide all it takes for private schools to thrive,’ the Prelate said, arguing that without private schools the governments would fail.
’So they should work in collaboration with the private schools because the endpoint is the child.
’Public fund is made for every child. So, whatever thing they collect let every school share,’ Bishop Ezeokafor appealed.
