Bishop Advises Christians On April Polls

The religious head of Praise Center International Church, Bishop Standord Nwaogu, has charged Christians to pray for God’s guidance in electing the right candidates during the April 2011 elections.

Nwaogu, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Owerri, said the electorate needed such guidance to elect God-fearing leaders and guarantee good governance.

The bishop also cautioned Nigerians against electing leaders based on their religious inclinations, but should consider candidates’ abilities and experiences before electing them.

He advised politicians to play the game with the fear of God, saying that if politicians played according to the rules, there would be no political antagonism or enmity.

The bishop said that Nigerian democracy since 1999 has claimed a lot of lives and properties because people had a wrong perception of a true democracy.

Nwaogu said that many Christians had political apathy because of the way politics had been practised in the country.

“It is because of the human massacre and endless enmity that made most Christians not to participate in politics.

“The 2011 general election would be a different thing as Christians are being encouraged to participate with the true fear of God as their first priority,” he added.

Nwaogu advised eligible voters in Imo to participate in the voter registration, adding that free, fair and credible elections begin with the registration of eligible voters.

The bishop further advised the youths to avoid being used as thugs by “selfish” politicians to rig the election.

He commended INEC for its efforts to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2011.-