ANGLICAN, CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONDEMN POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE

The Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev Adewale Martins and his counterpart at the Egba Anglican Diocese, Rev Emmanuel Oludaisi Adekunle have identified major causes of electoral violence in the country.

The clergies who spoke in separate interview with Daily Sun lamented lack of respect and digninity for man and human existence. They noted economic impoverishment of Nigerians as major causes of electoral violence that is currently ravaging part of the country.

While Adekunle spoke during the celebration of the Diocese's 12th Synod, Martins spoke through a press statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital yesterday.

Adekunle who also commented on the emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan, urged Nigerians to see his election as the wish of God and appealed to Nigerians particularly those in the Northern part of the country to sink their differences.

He described the National Assembly and Presidential Elections as things of joy to many Nigerians. 'What had happened as regards free conduct of election in the country is an indication that we as a nation was gradually getting there.

The Anglican Bishop commended the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a job well done adding that its Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega had brought honour once again to the country.

'See what is happening in our own generation, who ever thought elections can be conducted in this country under a fair, free and transparent atmosphere; without rigging. We thank God. The only thing I want to appeal to our leaders is to discourage playing one group above the other.

Apparently reacting to the post-election violence in Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi Gombe, Sokoto among others, the Bishop said: ''We are one Nigeria; East, West, South or North, we are Nigerians. We must discourage those fanning embers of discord among Nigerians.'