The Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese Most. Rev. Peter Chukwu has condemned the rising political violence that resulted in the alleged killings of innocent citizens of Ebonyi State.
Chukwu made this known while speaking to the congregation of St. Theresa Cathedral, Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State.
He blamed the increasing violence in different parts of the state on desperate politicians, who according to him, wants to rule the people of the state by force.
Urging the people to reject such politicians at the polls or be ready to face the consequences, Chukwu called on the people to pray for peaceful elections in the state and the country and averred that the general elections will not be won by money and violence.
According to him: “Let us pray for a peaceful election. There is no peaceful campaign in Ebonyi State, there is much violence in Ebonyi. There is violence in Ebonyi. People were killed in Edda, Afikpo South Local Government Area. People were killed in Isu, Onicha local government area. A governorship candidate went to Izzi Local Government Area for campaign and his jeep windscreen was shattered with bullets.
“In Okpoto, Ishielu Local Government Area of the state, the driver of the governorship candidate was killed while returning from campaign when he was attacked. Many who were in his convoy were wounded. Bullet pierced the candidate’s door but couldn’t pass the opposite side otherwise, he would have been killed. The governorship candidate is in shock now and it is one group that is doing all these things, people who want power by all means.”
He said further: “If people of the state want someone that will be harassing them with guns, it is left for you. If you condemn what is happening, they will come after you in the night and eliminate you.
“If it is this type of government that you want, go and institute it, both in Ebonyi and Nigeria, it is left for you people. Go and institute such government if you like it, all of us will be in danger.”
He then predicted: “This year’s elections will not be won by money, anyone sharing money to get votes will be disappointed. A violent person killing people and destroying properties will be disappointed.
“A criminal person, an occultic person will be disappointed because power belongs to God. You will see what will happen in Nigeria, you will see what will happen in Ebonyi State.”