By Philomina Attah
The National President of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN), Sir Ambrose Obioha, has urged Catholic faithful across the country to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and ensure their votes count in the 2027 general elections.
Obioha made the call on Friday in Abuja at the 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the CLCN and 9th Biennial Convention of the Catholic Social Forum of Nigeria (CSFN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convention has as its theme “2027 General Elections: Nigeria at the Crossroads – Hope for the Future,”
Obioha said the theme was chosen to mobilise the laity for active participation in the electoral process and to promote credible, peaceful and inclusive elections.
“What we expect after the conference is for Catholics to go and get their PVCs, go to their respective booths, vote in the elections, stay there, protect their votes and make sure that their votes count,” he said.
On insinuations about possible postponement of the polls, Obioha said the council would support any decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that would guarantee inclusiveness.
He said complaints from some citizens, particularly traders and those in the South-East who travel home for Christmas and New Year festivities, should be considered to avoid disenfranchisement.
“If the conditions for the elections are not good enough, it should be postponed. If it is postponed, it is all for good and we will be good with it,” he said.
On whether the Church was bringing religion into politics, Obioha said the call for participation was not about religion but civic responsibility and good governance.
He said the Church would look out for candidates who would work for the interest of the masses.
Speaking on the awards conferred on some distinguished personalities at the event, Obioha said they were meant to honour outstanding lay faithful who had contributed immensely to the development of the Catholic Church and society.
He listed recipients to include Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, who built the chapel at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, renowned Catholic music composer Jude Nnam, the Group Managing Director of UBA, Oliver Alawuba, and the GMD of Zenith Bank, Dame Adaora Umeoji, among others.
According to him, the awardees were nominated from various dioceses and groups and forwarded to the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria for verification and approval by their respective bishops.
“Our awards are not for sale. Anybody who is given any award has been duly confirmed by the bishop,” he added.
Earlier, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the Executive Chairman and Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, in his keynote address, described knowledge sharing as a critical form of corporate social responsibility, noting that the world economy was now driven by knowledge.
Reacting after receiving the CLCN Platinum Award, Okonkwo said he initially thought the award was for fundraising, having received about 400 awards previously, but was convinced by the council that it went through proper scrutiny to honour those who had genuinely served the Church and society.
He said he was highly honoured to be recognised for building the chapel at the Catholic Secretariat, describing the award as genuine and encouraging him to do more for the Church.
Also speaking, His Royal Highness, Chief Aule Ioryem Vincent, Ter Makurdi, who was among the awardees, thanked the leadership of the council for finding him worthy of the honour as a Catholic faithful.
Vincent, a former politician turned traditional ruler, advised politicians to shun violence and allow citizens to vote for candidates of their choice, stressing that politics should not be seen as a dirty game.
NAN also reports that the event also featured goodwill messages and award presentations to traditional and corporate leaders for their support to the Church.(NAN)