Pope Benedict XVI has prayed for peace, progress and security during the forthcoming elections in Nigeria.
The pontiff gave his blessings when he
granted audience to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Martins Uhomoibhi on Wednesday at the Vatican.
According to a statement from the
Nigerian Embassy in Rome, made available to the Europe Correspondent of
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in London, Mr Uhomoibhi also delivered a
special message from President Goodluck Jonathan to the Pope.
The statement, signed by Femi Rotimi,
said the Permanent Secretary also held bilateral talks with his Italian
counterpart Giampiero Massolo. The statement further said Mr Uhomoibhi
urged the Italian government, to send election monitors for the April
polls.
He reiterated Mr Jonathan’s commitment to a free, fair and credible election where every vote will count.
