John Ayah, the chairman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria Committee on Laity Affairs, has called on Nigerians to participate actively in the 2023 general elections and shun hate speeches.

Mr Ayah, who made the appeal at the eighth biennial national convention of the Catholic Social Forum of Nigeria in Abuja, said this was necessary to ensure the emergence of credible leaders in the country.

Mr Ayah, the Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, said Christians and all Nigerians should be civil as campaigns for the 2023 general elections commenced.

He added that Nigerians, including politicians, must guard against violence and hate speech during the campaigns.

The cleric, who was optimistic about the success of the forthcoming polls, said Nigerians were determined more than ever to vote for candidates of their choice.

“I don’t see voter apathy this season, for what I see compared to the previous years, I anticipate a lot more people.

“I pray that people don’t go violent to discourage those that want to vote; I trust there is going to be civility and people won’t distort the process,” he added.

He advised Catholics to be steadfast in prayers for the church, family and country.

Similarly, Gerald Njoku of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, called on Catholics in Nigeria to be properly involved in politics to ensure good governance.

Mr Njoku advised election observers to do their jobs thoroughly to provide constructive criticism and suggestions on the electoral process.

“INEC can really get it right if it wants through adhering strictly to the provisions of Electoral Act as amended; recruiting well informed, experienced and digital savvy staff.

“It should not in any way compromise, but rather remain an unbiased umpire, ensure prudence, before, during and after the elections.

“We shall be putting INEC’s conscience to test in the application of electronic application through BVAS machine,” he added.

(NAN)