AFRICA/NIGERIA - The Bishops: "too many politicians resort to slander and incite violence" during the election campaign

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "We commend all politicians and political parties who have so far run issue-based, violence-free campaigns in preparations for general elections in Nigeria. We urge them to continue in this manner", say the Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan (Nigeria), in a statement sent to Agenzia Fides at the end of their Plenary Assembly.
The Bishops note, however, that there are "many politicians unfortunately have either personally or through their cronies engaged in mudslinging, character assassination and outright falsehood to gain political advantage and provoke violence among the people".
There is much expectation regarding the elections to be held in February, in Nigeria in relation to the violence of the Boko Haram extremist group.
In this regard, the statement praises "the effort of government to curb the hydra-headed monster, the sacrifice of soldiers, security agents, and civilians, many of whom have died in this crisis" and decries the heightened level of violence in Nigeria witnessed in "jungle justice, assassinations, ritual killings".
"We hereby reiterate that human life is sacred and must be so treated from conception to natural death and we call everyone to reject violence and bloodletting in all their dealings", reaffirm the Bishops, who conclude recalling the Synod on the Family, and reaffirming the commitment of the Church in Nigeria to defend the family, pro-life choices and responsible parenthood. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/01/2015)