John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, has cautioned politicians against any attempt to rig the forthcoming general elections.

“With the current yearnings of the people for a better country, the election will no longer be business as usual,” Mr Onaiyekan said during the celebration of his 40th anniversary as a bishop, at the Holy Trinity Church, Maitama, Abuja.

He warned politicians to desist from manipulating election results or causing violence.

“All those who are planning to play games and scheme to rig in order to frustrate the desire of the decision of the people as regards the results of the elections should desist from such,” he noted.

He assured that he had no special candidate, adding that the advice was for the politicians to understand that “the mood in which Nigeria now is, is not a mood that they will quietly accept a rigged election.

“For the sake of peace, there will be serious repercussions if anybody doesn’t allow free and fair elections. It won’t be business as usual anymore,” he stated.

He added, “I want Nigerians to know that they can no longer keep quiet all the time, hoping that things will change, that God will work miracles.”

Mr Onaiyekan advised Nigerians to use their voter cards to express their minds.

He stressed that the election outcome would not be about who has more campaign posters or can mobilise more crowds to stadiums.

“It will depend on who can convince Nigerians and give us a new kind of government.

“Government that is based on people interested in working for the common good and not out to enrich themselves or stay in power or protect their stolen wealth so as not to be queried,” he said.

The archbishop advised politicians to fear God, as they would answer for their actions before Him.

“Even if no one asks questions, God will ask questions, and He has His way of asking questions,” he added.

Also, during the church service, the cardinal narrated his journey through the priesthood.

(NAN)