Bishops call on Nigerians to "reject evil"

Ahead of Nigeria’s election held on 25 February, the West African country’s Catholic bishops called on Nigerians to vote en masse and to reject evil.

By ACN Staff

Protest against violence in Nigeria. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)

Nigerian bishops have called on the population to come out “en masse” on 25 February to vote in the country’s general election.

In a statement released on 17 February, following a meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), the prelates appealed to Nigerians to “reject evil, greater or lesser, and wisely choose good and capable candidates at all levels.”

“Our votes are precious; we must use them well. We encourage all eligible citizens to come out en masse to vote for God-fearing, honest, vibrant, and transparent leaders for a better Nigeria”, the bishops state.

The document goes on to enumerate several of the challenges facing the nation of Nigeria, including “Boko Haram insurgents, herdsmen militia, bandits, and the so-called unknown gunmen” who “have continued to unleash terror in different parts of the country.”

“Some communities have been sacked and their inhabitants displaced as a result of the activities of some criminals and some government security agents. Hundreds of lives have been lost in very brutal circumstances and many more people have been maimed. Some of our Church personnel have been victims of abduction and killing. Kidnapping for ransom is on the increase so nowhere seems safe. Highways, homes, and even the sacred precincts of worshipping centres are not spared.”