The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that technology was transparently deployed in the 2023 general election.
The bishops said that as the 2023 general elections draw closer, measures must be taken to ensure a hitch-free election nationwide.
The group further noted that flawless elections would be a good remedial step to combating some of the challenges shaking the nation.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), made this known in a statement issued at the end of its second plenary meeting of the the Sacred Heart retreat centre, Orlu, Imo state, on Friday, September 16, 2022, and signed by its president, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, and secretary, Most Rev. Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun.
The bishops, while applauding President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the new electoral bill, added that it would be a great disservice to the citizens if the technological innovations are deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to thwart the 2023 elections, according to Arise TV.
The statement reads, “Elections are fast approaching. We commend the National Assembly and the President of the federal republic of Nigeria for enacting and signing into law, the electoral bill 2022.
“We acknowledge the President’s commitment to ensuring a level playing ground for all candidates in the elections.
“Furthermore, we commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its innovations, especially, in the area of technology, to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
“We, however, enjoin the commission to ensure that this technology is transparently deployed, in order to increase the confidence of the people in the electoral process.
“While it is not our responsibility as religious leaders to dictate to political parties the choices of their presidential, vice presidential and other candidates, we have the duty to advise the citizenry to bear in mind the implications of these choices while electing the next set of leaders.
“We, therefore, renew our call on all our faithful, laity and clergy alike, to come out en masse to vote for people of unassailable integrity, who have the good character, capacity and track record to lead our nation out of the present socio-political and economic doldrums, irrespective of party, religious and ethnic affiliations.”
The Clergymen also advised the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to shift grounds to resolve the ongoing strike.
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