Religious leaders in Osun State have charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the media to be neutral, fair, just and transparent in their conduct before, during and after the coming general elections.
While pledging their commitment to praying for peace and sensitising their followers on the need for peaceful poll, the clerics urged the major stakeholders to handle their fellow citizens with dignity and respect worthy of fellow human being.
Addressing a joint press conference at the private house of the Chief Imam of Osun in Osogbo on Wednesday, the Catholic Bishop of Osogbo, Most Rev John Akin Oyejola and Chief Imam of Osun, Sheik Musa Animasahun, noted that peace was central to success of anything hence the need for all stakeholders to pursue peace.
They, however, warned politicians who after they have failed in the public political arena would return home with cock and bull stories colored with religious sentiments in order to use religion to cheaply win that which their capacity as politicians and reputation as citizens has failed to win them to desist.
In his welcome address, the general coordinator of Justice Development and Peace Makers Centre (JDPMC), Rev Father Peter Akinkunmi, noted that with unfolding occurrence of political violence in some states in the country, it became imperative for JDPMC to organise a forum where the stakeholders in the coming election will rob mind to ensure a violence free elections.
Speaking at the event, the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje, said INEC was fully prepared to conduct transparent, free, fair and acceptable elections.
He, however, cautioned politicians to play the game according to the rules adding that election is not a matter of life and death.
Source: Daily Independent