Elections: Catholic Church to deploy 4,889 observers in 23 states

TheCatholic Church said it would deploy no fewer than 4,889 observers in 23 states of the country, who would stay back to observe the forthcoming general elections till the end.The Executive Secretary of Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey, who made this disclosure yesterday at a press briefing on the forthcoming general election, in Abuja, expressed fears of possible outbreak of violence, due to predetermined minds of some people, who are drumming war no matter how free and fair the poll is.According to him, “From our discussions with our partners in some parts of the country, the certain towns and cities are already so charged that potential lives and properties are not safe, depending on the outcome of the elections.“It does appear that a predetermined outcome for the elections is demanded by some groups that no matter how free and fair it is, if it does not suit them, they would resort to violence that could lead to loss oflives.”To this end, the Foundation suggested that “Church and Mosque leaders should intensify sensitization of their members to avoid violence whatever the outcome of the elections.”