Nigerian Catholic Priests Denying Church Members Without Permanent Voter Cards Access to Sunday Masses

In videos viewed by SaharaReporters on Sunday, some church members were denied access to Sunday Masses due to their inability to display their permanent voter cards issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

At St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Utugwang, Obudu Local Government Area of ​​Cross River State, the deputy parish chief was heard directing those who had their PVCs to enter the church. church and those who had none to go home.

At another Catholic parish believed to be in one of the north central states, the Reverend Father was heard saying, “From today, if you come for Mass, bring your PVC. If you don’t have your PVC, don’t bother coming.

“Because it is impossible for Christians to fill the church, but only a handful of them will vote in the elections.

“So that means our population and our numbers mean nothing. We therefore want Christians to take their responsibilities and roles seriously.

“So today I’m serious about it. While I’m standing here, if you have your PVC – start coming in. But if you don’t have your PVC, find your way back. You don’t not attend Mass here.

As the political processes leading up to the 2023 general elections continue to escalate, private, public and religious organizations have intensified campaigns for their staff and members respectively to obtain their PVCs enabling them to exercise their civic responsibility.

Last Thursday, the Alaba International Market in Lagos was closed to allow traders to get their PVCs ahead of the 2023 general election.

A law firm, Antonio Lex Firma, has also threatened to withhold the salaries of its employees if they do not have voter cards as part of their civic duty before the 2023 elections.