The Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria has expressed fears of possible outbreak of violence during the forthcoming general elections and it has asked churches and mosques to set aside some funds to deal with possible humanitarian crises that may arise.
The organisation said the measure would complement efforts by government, which it said were oftentimes inadequate.
The CCFN, an organ of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, also called on residents in volatile areas to stockpile foods and other essential commodities “in case shops are not opened for some days.”
Executive Secretary of CCFN, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey, said this at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja.
He advised Nigerians to be prepared to mitigate the impact of possible outbreak of violence during the elections.
Bassey said, “We advise churches and mosques to set aside some funds to deal with possible humanitarian crises that may arise to complement government effort which oftentimes is inadequate and therefore unreliable; especially with the experience of the current Internally Displaced Persons.
“After more than four years of a humanitarian crisis caused by Boko Haram, we should be more proficient in handling these things but government is still dropping items and going away. Up till now, no proper camp has been established. Finally, we advise Nigerians to know that politicians are all the same. If All Progressives Congress wins, everyone will move there and if Peoples Democratic Party wins, they will move back to PDP; so it is not worth it destroying property and or destroying lives just because one set of politicians have lost elections.
“In the case of a possible outbreak of violence, we advise that citizens in volatile places should stock essential commodities in case shops are not open for days. Citizens should by now make arrangements for safe havens in case they have to escape from their homes; and those who can, should move their families from volatile areas, as the right to life is stronger than the right to vote.
“Citizens should not rely on the assurances of security agencies alone, as the scale of violence, if it happens, may overwhelm their capacity and therefore we must be extra-vigilant.
“After voting, although they could stay back to observe the counting, we advise ordinary citizens in volatile places to go home and allow politicians to sort themselves out. The Catholic Church is deploying 4,889 observers in 23 states, these observers will also stay back to observe to the end.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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