Catholic Bishop Warns Anambra Politicians Against Use of Students As Thugs

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has warned politicians in Anambra not to engage university students as thugs for the Nov. 16 governorship election. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Thursday, Ezeokafor said engaging the students who are now at home due to the ASUU strike would be inimical to the development of the state.

"The governorship election is drawing near and we should watch it very carefully. We should rehabilitate and redirect the minds of the students gainfully.

"If politicians succeed in their attempt to recruit the students for election malpractice, it will not only affect our society but the entire nation," he warned.

Ezeokafor said the role of the Church in election was to mobilise its members to register, vote and do their civic duties by voting the candidate of their choice. "The Church is now saying please go and vote the candidate of your choice who you believe will do better than the present administration.

"Let us vote for credible personalities within these parties who will give us electricity, employment and security because they are very important," Ezeokafor said. The prelate, however, urged the federal government and ASUU to reach a truce in their ongoing face-off.