By Tony Edike, Enugu
THE Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, yesterday, appealed to politicians in Enugu State to ensure that next month’s elections are non -violent, free, fair, transparent and credible.

Describing political violence as the instrument of an unintelligent, visionless, selfish, greedy and weak politician, Bishop Onaga also cautioned politicians against fanning the embers of intolerance, hatred and violence since such acts were barbaric and primitive.

The Bishop who spoke during the political debate organized by the Politics Commission and Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace, CIDJAP, an organ of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu for candidates from Enugu State who are contesting governorship and National Assembly positions, said it would be unwise for any politician to seek to harm one another in order to occupy political office, reminding them that “it is God who ultimately will choose those to serve in different offices.”

“I tell you solemnly even when you succeed in eliminating your perceived opponents through violent means; God can still deny you that post.  Life and living belongs to Him.  So we are appealing to all office seekers and their supporters to avoid all forms of violence during this election… Violence is the instrument of an unintelligent, visionless, selfish and weak politician.  We must shun it!”, he said.

Biship Onaga explained that the aim of this year’s political debate with the theme “The Church and Credible Election for Good Governance in Enugu State”, was to awaken the consciousness of politicians to key reason they are politicking which is the common good of the electorate they aspire to govern and serve.

“Strictly speaking, every political office seeker is first and foremost responsible to the citizens who are at the same time subjects and objects of whatever position they are seeking,” he said.

Besides, he said the forum would afford the politicians the opportunity to present to the citizens live, their manifestos for which they seek the mandate of the people and also enable the politicians from various political parties to see themselves more as partners in the project of nation_building and service to the people rather than enemies, adding that it would also make the electorate interact face to face with the future leaders.

In his speech, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Chinedu Nebo enjoined the electorate never to allow any politician to deceive them with their sweet speeches and promises but to digest properly whatever they were told.

“As you listen with your ears, also shine your eyes because the eyes have seen a lot.  As you go to the polls, let what will guide you be the quality of candidates you will vote for,” he said.

Prof. Nebo expressed dismay at the unimpressive performances of some members of the National Assembly from the South East zone, and asked the crowd never to vote for those who didn’t perform well in the last dispensation.

“In the entire Igboland, not just Enugu State, there are some of our sons and daughters who are doing well but there are those who never attended 10 to 15 percent of the attendance in the National Assembly sessions, he recalled sadly.