‘Be Weary of Ethnic and Religious Gimmicks’ – Monsignor Osu

As the 2015 general elections approaches, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, Director of Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, has enjoined Nigerians to vote their leaders based on integrity, pedigree and track records.

He said electorates should not allow religious or ethnic affiliations influence their votes.

Osu warned that politicians and political parties might likely want to use religious and ethnic sentiments to draw up sympathy votes in the forthcoming general elections but that Nigerians should be weary of such political gimmicks.

He said if Nigerians continue to allow politicians to play up the religious and ethnic sentiments, the country may not experience any significant positive change and will continue to “move round in circles.”

“For me, it depends on who runs for an election and not a question of Muslim/Muslim or Christian/Christian candidacy. And that should be what influences other Nigerians’ votes as well,” Osu said.

He added that Nigerians should watch out for the track records of the people presented and not get sidetracked by any sentiments.

“Religion is meant to remind the people and those in government of their conscience, that is, making an effort to remind them of their conscience and morality but this, should strictly be limited to an advisory capacity,” Osu said.