By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
As Christians begin this year’s lent with Ash Wednesday, the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, has urged Christians to vote wisely during the forthcoming general elections.
Abegunrin, who made the call in his lent message on Wednesday in Ibadan, enjoined politicians and youths to avoid all forms of political violence during the election.
According to him, as the elections falls into the time of lent, Nigerians should use the opportunity to pray for a peaceful electoral process.
“Ash Wednesday calls for sober reflection and total repentance from individuals and the country. That is why we usually have ashes sprinkled on our foreheads as a sign of repentance.
“In Nigeria, we need to repent, because unless the Lord has forgiven us of our failings, our voting will mean nothing.
“Having ashes on our foreheads is just symbolic. It is the Lenten observance that is the most important, which include fasting, praying and giving alms to the poor.
“Besides, we have to guide our utterances during the period; talking anyhow, insulting, abusing and cursing others will not go with our fasting and prayer. Lenten season is a period of sober reflection.
“Our love and willingness to do our work thoroughly should also be strengthened during the period,’’ he said.
The cleric also enjoined politicians to find this Lenten season useful by changing their ways and embrace service to humanity.
“We are warning that thuggery will not pay anybody this time. Let us be gentle, loving and Godly in everything we do.
“To have peaceful, free and fair elections in our country our collective responsibility.
“To achieve good governance in Nigeria, citizens’ participation in politics is very necessary. You and I must put in our best. We have been having elections before but unfortunately, we’ve never got it right.
“This time around, let us get it right, especially with this period of fasting, prayers and almsgiving,” he said.
Abegunrin prayed that through the fasting, people would come out with pure hearts and live a new life of grace.
“I pray that in this season of lent, we shall really be reborn, change our hearts, attitudes and be committed to doing our works thoroughly.
“May God bless us with political leaders of integrity who will have the fear of God.
“May the Holy Spirit lead us, guide us and give us the joy that we need to live happily in this country,” he said. (NAN)
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