February 18, 2015 – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians to use this year’s Christian Lenten period to pray for peaceful conduct of the March 28 and April 11, 2015 general elections as well as re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of compassion, good neighbourliness and love for one another.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement on Ash Wednesday said Nigerians must use this period “to refocus their desires and work together as one united family under God, irrespective of ethnicity, political affiliations, class or creed.”
The party urged the citizens to ensure that they vote only peace-loving individuals at all levels and reject those associated with violence and bigotry.
“We must use this year’s Lent to reaffirm values that bind us together as a people. The fact that the March 28th Presidential and National Assembly elections fall within this solemn period, which is universally dedicated to fasting, prayers, penance and charity is of great significance, even as it provides us an ample opportunity to re-commit our democracy and dear nation to the Almighty God.”
“We must therefore allow our thoughts and actions to be divinely directed. We must use the fasting period to strengthen our resistance to evil machinations that may present themselves against the success of the elections by not only shunning all forms of violence and squabbles but also ensuring that only peace-loving persons are elected at all levels”, the PDP said.
The party called on religious leaders to use this period of spiritual re-armament for effectual prayers and messages that emphasize love and peaceful co-existence in the country.
While reiterating its commitment to the unity, stability and prosperity of the nation, the PDP also urged the political class to eschew all statements and actions that promote division among the people.
It also called on those behind the insurgency ravaging the country to retrace their steps and understand that life is sacrosanct and should not be wasted for any reason whatsoever.
The PDP wished Nigerians a fruitful Lenten observance and prayed for endearing peace in the country.
