SECAM calls for peaceful, fair elections in Nigeria

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan 

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), Accra, Ghana, has called for peace in Nigeria, praying for free and fair elections in February and March.

The SECAM President and Archbishop of Kinshasa, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, made the call in a solidarity statement on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo.

Ambongo prayed that the elections would be free and fair and produce leaders who would lead Nigeria with justice and integrity.

“On behalf of SECAM, I send you this message of solidarity and goodwill as your country holds general elections in the months of February and March.

“Nigeria occupies a position of prominent leadership and promise in the African Continent and has the prospects of even greater things in the future.

“For these reasons, SECAM prays and hopes that the elections will be free, fair and produce leaders who will lead Nigeria with justice and integrity.

“In recognition of the prophetic role which your Conference has played thus far in the history of Nigeria, we assure you of our solidarity and prayers,” Ambongo said.

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) was born out of the wish of African Bishops during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) to establish a forum in which they could speak with one voice on matters pertaining to the Church in Africa. (NAN)