Political leaders in Nigeria have been urged to play politics in accordance to the rules so as to ensure fairness, equity and justice which would engender peace and development.
Archbishop Israel Afolabi Amoo of the Kwara Province, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), gave the admonition as the major political parties across the country concluded their state congresses and about holding their national conventions.
He said, completion of state congresses and national conventions signalled the beginning of election cycle, urging all actors on the political stage to play by the rules of the game.
The prelate also congratulated all parties that had successfully concluded the exercise and expressed gladness that there was no violence and loss of lives.
In his statement, signed by Venerable Julius Adesina,
Director, Political and Social Mobilization for the province, he noted that the Church leadership observed that there were reported cases of misunderstanding among party members, which manifested in parallel State Congresses, and therefore warned that such happenings could impact the 2023 general elections negatively.
He praised political stakeholders for their commitment towards sustaining peace, noting that “every act of political violence affects not just the victims and immediate environment but the entire social and economic systems, which will eventually cast aspersions on the integrity of the nation’s collective march towards a better society.”
Archbishop Amoo advised party leaders to pursue the collective interest of the citizens and place it above the interest of individuals no matter how highly placed; and that they should lead with the fear of the Lord, so that the country can be out of the woods.