Catholic church advice Nigerians to stockpile foods, others

The Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja
expressed fears of possible outbreak of violence in the forthcoming
general elections with a call on citizens in volatile places to
stockpile foods and other essential commodities "in case shops are not
opened for some days."
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has said it will deploy 4,889 observers
in 23 states of the country, who will "stay back to observe the
elections till the end."
The CCFN, an organ of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, also
advised churches and mosques to set aside some funds to deal with
possible humanitarian crises that might arise after the polls.
The Executive Secretary of CCFN and National Secretary of Justice
Development and Peace Committee, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey, who said
this during a press briefing, advised Nigerians to be prepared to
mitigate the impact of possible outbreak of violence during the
elections.
The CCFN is the relief and development agency of the CBCN while JDPC
at the national level is the advocacy organ of CBCN.
The cleric said, "In the case of a possible outbreak of violence, we
advise that citizens in volatile places should stock essential
commodities in case shops are not open for days. Citizens should, by
now, make arrangements for safe havens in case they have to escape
from their homes; and those who can, should move their families from
volatile areas, as the right to life is stronger than the right to
vote.
"Citizens should not rely on the assurances of security agencies
alone, as the scale of violence, if it happens, may overwhelm their
capacity, and therefore must be extra-vigilant.
"After voting, although they could stay back to observe the counting,
we advise ordinary citizens in volatile places to go home and allow
politicians to sort themselves out.
"The Catholic Church is deploying 4,889 observers in 23 states; these
observers will also stay back to observe to the end."
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Bassey recalled the several forms of humanitarian crises already
brewing in Nigeria, including the silent Sahel food crisis affecting
the food and nutrition needs of Sokoto, Kebbi and Yobe states and the
post-flood humanitarian crisis, "with many still to recover their
livelihoods even after billions of Naira were collected."
"There is the potential Niger-Delta crisis which could erupt anytime.
There is the mother of all humanitarian crises caused by Boko Haram,
which has led to the greatest displacements and miseries since the
civil war.
"On top of all these are the potential dangers and humanitarian
emergencies that may arise because of the already charged presidential
elections," he warned.
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