Nigerian bishops urge acceptance of election results, new battle against corruption

April 01, 2015

Church leaders in Nigeria are encouraging the faithful to accept the results of a presidential election in which Muhammadu Buhari defeated the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan.

The Nigerian bishops’ conference issued an appeal for calm in the wake of the hotly contested election. Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos, the president of the episcopal conference, added that police should be on the alert to respond to any political violence, and troops should be on guard against a new offensive by Boko Haram terrorists.

Speaking to Vatican Radio, Cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja said that the struggle against Boko Haram would be one of the key challenges for the new government, along with the battle against political corruption. “We have a very bad record on corruption,” the cardinal said; “and there’s no doubt this is pulling our nation down.”

 

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Further information:

• Muhammadu Buhari elected President; Bishops invite to respect the result (Fides)
• Nigerian Cardinal: priorities for nation’s new president (Vatican Radio)
• Nigerian presidential elections proceed despite Boko Haram attacks (CWN, 3/30)