By   Vincent Ujumadu

AWKA—CATHOLIC Bishops in Anambra State have called on the governorship candidates in the February 6, gubernatorial election in the state and the electorate to show restraint and do all in their power to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and credible election.

In a statement by Most Rev. Valerian  Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Albert Obiefuna, the Archbishop Emeritus of Onitsha, Most Rev. Simon  Okafor, Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Hilary  Okeke, Bishop of Nnewi and
Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor,  Auxiliary Bishop of Awka, they also called on the candidates to be positive in their campaigns and avoid destructive, hostile and bitter attacks on other contestants.

“The contestants should honestly tell the people their vision, goals and strategies for good governance in Anambra State. Their accommodative and peaceful attitude will remove the impression of desperation and do-or-die approach. Every candidate should eschew recourse to rigging, bribery, corruption, violence and any form of malpractice.

“This election is a singular opportunity, which God is giving us to exercise our rights under the law to choose our Governor and his deputy. This right imposes a heavy responsibility on us to choose credible, competent, reliable and upright persons as Governor and deputy governor,” the Bishops said.