From Judex Okoro, Calabar
The European Union Election Observation Mission led by the duo of Robert Hall and Diana Ferrari has promised that in line with the mandate or the oath taken, not to be participants in Nigeria’s general election slated for February 25 and March 11.
Speaking during a courtesy visit on His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, the spiritual leader of a renowned spiritual organisation, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star at International headquarters in Calabar, the team explained that it was imperative that they stopped over to see the spiritual leader because he has much positive influence over his mammoth adherents in Nigeria and abroad.
The leader of the team, Robert Hall, commended the spiritual leader for his efforts at uniting families and communities.
Hall said: “We are election observers on assignment to Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. We received good reports about the spiritual leader and his large followers and found out that BCS is an influential community with a very large congregation in Nigeria.
“Since we are to educate the electorate on the need to participate in the Nigeria general election by casting their votes, there was the need for us to visit the Leader of BCS. We also promise not to violate our mandate or the oath taken not to be participants in the election.”
Responding, the spiritual leader, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, said he was very happy over their visit and will afford them desired cooperation.
He said the forthcoming election was very important to Nigerians but that he has no preferred presidential candidate.
He told the EU delegation that he has admonished his adherents to freely exercise their franchise to whoever the spirit administers to them, stressing that it must be devoid of vote buying, rigging, violence and killings.
He assured the EU Observers of their safety throughout their stay in Nigeria, adding that he will gladly receive them again if they return to the organisation in continuation of their election education.
The EU delegation was taken around the sprawling complex on a guided facility tour by a high priest of the fold, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, before they departed.