By Olayinka Latona

CATHOLIC Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins has called on the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), political leaders and those seeking electoral votes not to see election as a do-or-die affair but rather allow God’s will to prevail during and after the elections.

Speaking on behalf of the Archbishop of Lagos at the annual laity week/awards at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos, the Episcopal Vicar, Lagos region, Very Monsignor Bernard Okodua in his homily urged the electorate to serve God through by casting their votes in an honest way.

According to Okodua, in a message titled; “The consecrated life and the laity, any collaborative role?” where over 140 Catholic faithful in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos were honoured, he urged the awardees not to relent in their service to God and humanity.

Monsignor Okodua further advised the awardees and other members to continue to live their lives according to Christ injunction, adding that it is only the life that God approves that is acceptable to Him.

In his words: “Many people were apprehensive following the postponement of the elections. This is done in order to re-arrange and prepare to ensure that our elections are free of rancor. Nigerians should honour God through casting of their votes.

“We should not vote based on money, bags of rice or material things which are offered by some of the politicians. We should know that God will not come down to choose our leaders for us,” he stated.

In his own message, Director, Lay Apostolate Centre and Chaplain Archdiocesan Laity Council, Fr. Innocent Opogah enjoined every family to consecrate themselves to God so that through them men and women who will dedicate their lives to God will evolve from each family.

The 2015 election is about leadership, everybody is struggling to be a leader and the message from this gathering is that “we must consecrate ourselves to the Lord and if every true leader is prepared to do so, I can assure you that the nation will be a better place.”

Chairman, Maryland Deanery Laity, Lady Oge Egwu said over 140 faithful who have distinguished themselves in their activities and participation in church events and towards humanity were honoured.

“We also used this opportunity to begin a week-long laity week where we come together, pray for a way forward for the church, visit the less privileged, motherless homes amongst others,” she said.