Get your PVCs, vote in 2023, Aniagwu tells Nigerians

“The Church should not take a position on the candidates”

The Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos and Episcopal Vicar of Ikeja Region, Bishop John Aniagwu, yesterday urged Christians to participate in the 2023 electoral process by collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) .

Aniagwu who is also the Pastor of St. Leon Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos, who was represented by Associate Pastor, Reverend Father Emmanuel Omoroke, SMMM spoke at a press briefing to mark the 50th anniversary of Saint-Léon Cathedral, which began on Wednesday August 24 and will end on Sunday September 4. The priest, who lamented the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, said prayers for the country are one of the main purposes of the anniversary, adding that there is nothing difficult for God. He said adequate measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of those attending the anniversary. He said, “We ask Christians to join politics, to participate. After collecting their PVCs, they must vote. Christians should be involved in Nigerian politics. Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Taiwo Obileye, urged Christians to be worthy examples to change the narrative for good on the country's political agenda. “They should go out there and make positive changes and not join the crowd. When they get there, let their Christian lifestyle be what will change our political situation. These are the kind of Christians we want to see in politics,” he said.

He added: "There is no one who is not aware that the security situation has worsened and deteriorated to a large extent and so everyone has asked what the government is doing. Sometimes they win, sometimes they lose, but they try except everyone expects them to do more Obileye said no church should incite its congregation against any of the presidential candidates, saying the manifestos candidates should be given more consideration.

"No church will say support that person or not support them. That's none of the church's business. The church will only say look at what each person is willing to do to right the wrongs in the country in all different areas of life, economy, security and employment. The church will never support one political party or candidate against others. "The Church does not do that .We will never do that.And of course everyone is encouraged to participate in the election process.After you go through the process of getting your PVCs go and use it.Only when you use it will you can make the change you want, and people shouldn't be afraid to vote because that's when they vote that they can get what they want. There's no point in having your cards voter card to decorate your house.Please use the voter card.We hope whoever enters will improve the mod e of people's lives. »

Anniversary activities kicked off on Wednesday with a special three-day prayer event called the Prayer Triduum. Other activities are aimed at children and young people, sick and confined parishioners.

"Sports and games are not left out. There will be a variety of indoor and outdoor sports games and activities, for which prizes will be awarded to successful participants.

“The Golden Jubilee program will conclude with a grand finale on Sunday, September 4. Activities on this day will begin with the Golden Jubilee Mass at 10 a.m. which will be concelebrated by the Archbishop and a large number of priests.”