The Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja expressed fears of possible outbreak of violence in the forthcoming general elections with a call on citizens in volatile places to stockpile foods and other essential commodities “in case shops are not opened for some days.”
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has said it will deploy 4,889 observers in 23 states of the country, who will “stay back to observe the elections till the end.”
The CCFN, an organ of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, also advised churches and mosques to set aside some funds to deal with possible humanitarian crises that might arise after the polls.
The Executive Secretary of CCFN and National Secretary of Justice Development and Peace Committee, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey, who said this during a press briefing, advised Nigerians to be prepared to mitigate the impact of possible outbreak of violence during the elections.
The CCFN is the relief and development agency of the CBCN while JDPC at the national level is the advocacy organ of CBCN.
The cleric said, “In the case of a possible outbreak of violence, we advise that citizens in volatile places should stock essential commodities in case shops are not open for days. Citizens should, by now, make arrangements for safe havens in case they have to escape from their homes; and those who can, should move their families from volatile areas, as the right to life is stronger than the right to vote.
“Citizens should not rely on the assurances of security agencies alone, as the scale of violence, if it happens, may overwhelm their capacity, and therefore must be extra-vigilant.
“After voting, although they could stay back to observe the counting, we advise ordinary citizens in volatile places to go home and allow politicians to sort themselves out.
“The Catholic Church is deploying 4,889 observers in 23 states; these observers will also stay back to observe to the end.”
Bassey recalled the several forms of humanitarian crises already brewing in Nigeria, including the silent Sahel food crisis affecting the food and nutrition needs of Sokoto, Kebbi and Yobe states and the post-flood humanitarian crisis, “with many still to recover their livelihoods even after billions of Naira were collected.”
“There is the potential Niger-Delta crisis which could erupt anytime. There is the mother of all humanitarian crises caused by Boko Haram, which has led to the greatest displacements and miseries since the civil war.
“On top of all these are the potential dangers and humanitarian emergencies that may arise because of the already charged presidential elections,” he warned. NAN
This is statement of a FAITH-DEHYDRATED church.