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Cardinal Onaiyekan denies asking Nigerians to accept Tinubu as winner of presidential election

The Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has said he did not urge Nigerians to accept the results of the 2023 election which produced Bola Tinubu, as the president-elect.

In a statement signed by his personal secretary, Emmanuel Adugba, on Friday, he debunked reports which said he appealed to Nigerian electorates to accept the outcome of the presidential election.

Onaiyekan described the outcome of the exercise as “tragically questionable results” most especially the “consequent legitimacy” of Tinubu as president-elect.

The statement read in part: “After a tragically questionable election. His Eminence blatantly refuses to be drafted into boosting a non-existing credibility of results and its consequent legitimacy of the declared winner. His Eminence is a firm lover of peace, but Never at the expense of TRUTH, AND JUSTICE. God bless Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, CorrectNG reported weeks ago that a reverend father introduced a policy that ensured members of the congregation will receive holy communion only if they have their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs).

The priest disciplined parishioners who trooped out to the altar to collect communion during mass without the voters card.

A video which made rounds on social media captures the moment he asked church members coming to collect the body and blood of Christ if they have their voters card and anyone who doesn’t have is sent back.

He could be seen using a palm to flog a lady who confidently walked up to the altar only to reveal that she does not have a PVC.

Other parishioners who were in the same category were left with no option than to run back to their seats when they saw how the cleric reacted.