No fewer than120 religious leaders across the country under the auspices of Strengh In Diversity Development Center, SDDC, (an interfaith network organisation), have called for a Non-Violent Gubernatorial and state Assemblies elections.

Arising from an interfaith conference on ways of ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections across the country held in Lagos recently, the religious leaders led by Imam Shefiu, Abdulkareem Majemu (Convener), Bishop Emma Gospel Isong (Co-convener), HRH Sarkin Muhammad Bambado (Sarkin Fulani of Lagos State), Imam Abdulazeez Onike of NASFAT, Apostle Ojei Uloma, Bishop Matthew Daniels, Sheikh Abdurahman Ahmad, Imam Faud Adeyemi, Bishop Asekoya Wale, Ojo Owolabi, Pastor Gabriel Oshoma, Sheikh Abdurahman Sulaiman Adangba, amongst others, called for special prayers for the success of the elections.

File photo: Voting

Ahead of the elections, an awareness rally was also held by religious stakeholders across the country.

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On hate speech, the leaders identified this development as one of the biggest ills of modern Nigerian society, especially in an election season when tensions are palpable and moods are on the edge. It was resolved that Nigerians must be well educated on its destructive effect and to desist from the act of hate speech and other conducts that could lead to violence during and after the elections.

They admonished Nigerians to shun vote buying in the next round of elections.