The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Monsignor Alfred Martins, has urged the Federal Government to guarantee peace in the country in order to achieve peaceful elections in 2023.
According to a statement on Monday, the archbishop made the appeal in a homily delivered at the 2023 New Year’s Mass that was also used to celebrate the 56th World Day of Peace held at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos.
Martins said the country needed God-fearing leaders to wipe away the tears of its citizens.
He said: “We need peace in Nigeria this 2023. Without peace, the next general election would be a futile task. I know that many parts of the country are witnessing so much insecurity. That is why our security agencies must work around the clock to secure all parts of the country and ensure that all criminal elements are prosecuted.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that he will make sure that we have credible elections. I don’t doubt he has good intentions. But you can’t do it all alone. We all need to play our part by making sure we get out there voting for the right candidates and also make sure our votes count. That is one way to ensure that our elections are credible.”
Martins also condemned the recent shooting of Ms. Bolanle Raheem by a police officer who is now on trial, adding that it was very sad that the police officer not only killed the deceased but also two of her babies for born through his negligent action on Christmas Day.
He called for urgent police reforms, noting that such atrocities perpetrated by some men in the police force should no longer be tolerated in a civilized society like Nigeria.
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