The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, has called on eligible voters who are yet to obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to avail themselves of the opportunity created by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the ongoing continuous voters registration exercise to do so.

He made the call during his homily at a concelebrated Holy Mass for the inauguration of Achina Ecclesiastical Region at St Charles’ Borromeo Catholic Church, Achina, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State.

The Bishop condemned the actions of some eligible voters who, according to him, do not go to polling centres on election days to cast their votes. He said that such individuals create room for the emergence of bad leaders in various positions of authority.

The Catholic Prelate described PVC as the power of the electorate to elect good leaders. He advised people of voting age to ensure that they get their PVCs ahead of the 2019 general election and to also come out en masse on election day to vote according to their consciences.

“People of voting age should go and obtain their PVCS to be able to vote. When you vote, you have the opportunity of voting in good leaders that will better our country,” Bishop Ezeokafor said.

He charged political leaders and people in authority to be responsive to their duties, describing security of life and property as well as provision of necessary amenities as the paramount responsibilities of government.

On recent church developments, Bishop Ezeokafor said that the Catholic Diocese of Awka accepted in good faith, the decision of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, to accept the resignation of Bishop Peter Okpaleke as the Bishop of Ahiara Mbaise in Imo State.

He commended Bishop Okpalaeke for his patience, humility and committed prayer life which he demonstrated throughout the over four years of the lingering imbroglio in Ahiara Catholic Diocese.