CATHOLIC ACTION NIGERIA ONDO DIOCESE SENSITIZES POPULACE ON EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS
The Catholic Action Nigeria, Ondo Diocese has called on Nigerian Churches to come out of indifferences towards politics and governance of the country and rather actively participate in the upcoming general elections.
At the Town Hall Meeting organized by the body on Wednesday February 1st, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Catederal, Akure where notable Nigerian clergies and laities were present calls were put across to churches to play their roles effectively for the good of the nation.
While delivering his key note address, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko who was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Eni Akinsola identified myriads of challenges the country had faced over the years and proffer likely solution which he said churches have very prominent roles to play in order to salvage the country from the present predicament.
Mimiko also called on all Nigerians at all levels to do all in their various capacities to make Nigeria work stressing that there is no leadership position that is permanent except the position of Obas and that since we are not practicing monarchical system of government Oba has little role governance.
The guest lecturer, Head of Department of Mass Communication, Adekunle Ajasin, University Akungba Akoko, Dr. Ralph Gbenga Abimbola who spoke on the topic: “Roles of the Church In Mobilizing The Public Towards Successful General Elections said some of the roles of the church are; prayer, being obedient to directives of the government and to mobilize towards influencing the government policies.
Abimbola said church should endeaovour to condemn bad policies and to praise good ones, drive towards election, to educate members and guide them on active participation in politics without compromising.
Also in his charge the Lord Bishop of Ondo Diocese of Catholic, Rev (Dr.) Jude Arogundade said Nigerians should be open minded in electing their leader staying that should be aware of the antecedents of those who want to lead the country.
He called on all Christians to get their PVC and endeavour to vote for the righteous candidate whose sphere of influence could be of benefit to the church and the citizens of the nation at large.
Earlier in his welcome address the Chairman of Catholic Action Nigeria, Ondo Diocese Ambassador Ogbaji Funmilayo Esther said that the purpose of the Town Hall Meeting was to mobilize churches in their numbers to be alive to their responsibilities as general elections are fast approaching.
While speaking with the Democrat News Magazine, the Secretary of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua who represented the chairman of the Local Government, Barr. Gbenga Olaniyi and Prof. (Mrs.) Ogunsuyi president of laity Catholic Diocese of Ondo also used the occasion to call on Christians not to only depend on prayer much more they should be ready to exercise their franchise.
They called on Christians to get their PVC ready and that they should vote massively for the right candidate who will lead the country in the next four year.