Jos (Agenzia Fides) - “The attacks and the violence are being carried out by people who want to impede the democracy that Nigerians aspire to. Nigerians are tired of the violence and bad governing. The elections are the ony way of obtaining good governance, says Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Jos, to Fides from Nigeria, where today, 9 April, the polls opened for parliamentary elections. On the eve of the vote at least 15 people were killed in two separate attacks: one, a bomb explosion, occurred at a polling station on the outskirts of Abuja, the capital, while the second occurred at a police station in the north-east.
“There is a small minority of Nigerians seeking to profit from the chaos and anarchy. But I can assure you that the majority of Nigerians want credible and fair elections without violence, which will allow the Country to progress,” confirms Archbishop Kaigama.
Regarding the forces that, in his view, are committing the attacks and fueling the violence in Nigeria, the Archbishop of Jos replies: “Even when people are arrested in connection with these facts, it is not always possible to know who are the real instigators. I think that our security agencies have to work hard to uncover the identity of these main players. They are Nigerians or foreigners who wish to destabilise the country.”
More than 73 million voters are eligible to vote for the 360 National Assembly Deputies and 109
Senators. The election was postponed twice (see Fides 04/04/2011). For security reasons, the authorities have closed the borders and imposed a block on the movement of cars. Voters must go to the polls on foot. “It is sad, because people want to move freely. I hope that security forces help us put an end to this situation,” concludes Archbishop Kaigama. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 9/4/2011)
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