By Roundoffnews
Ahead of the Osun State governorship election, religious leaders have promised to incorporate civic and voter education messages on peaceful election in their sermons.
This according to the clerics is important so as to orientate the public towards participating effectively in electoral process without engaging in violence.
The religious leaders spoke during a programme organized by NIGAWD and its partner on the Southwest Vote Not Fight campaign aimed at leveraging on the influence of the clerics to promote peaceful election in Osun State.
The program was attended by leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), their women and youth wing members; leadership of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), their women and youth members; leadership of Nigeria league of Imams; Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO).
Pledge cards committing to amplify the Vote Not Fight campaign and participate constructively in the elections were also signed by over 50 of the clerics.
First to speak at the programme was the CAN chairman, Bishop Ogunrinde Amos, who said, the Christian religion preaches peace and does not support violence in any form and that they are ready to sensitize and promote peaceful coexistence among their members and leaders.
He acknowledged that no one benefit from violence as it may lead to loss of lives and Property.
In a remark, the Grand Mufsair, Osun State Abdulateef Abajaoro representing Osun State League of Imam affirmed that Islam is a religion of peace and would continue to promote peace.
He noted that most of the aspirants attend and worship with one religious centre or the other especially during election period to seek the support of the religious leaders and their followers for vote; hence anytime they visit the worship centres they will be charged to adopt the VNF campaign message by running issue based and non-violent campaigns for a free fair and credible election.
The women and Youth wing of all the religious body also pledged their support for Vote Not Fight campaign and they advised that the campaign should target and meet with the Transport workers Unions (NURTW, RTEAN and Okada riders to also educate them.