The cleric also advised the Federal Government to ensure proper use of security agents during the election.
Onaiyakan spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during his New Year mass at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Nyanya.
He said Nigerians should pray for President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise of free and fair election to come true.
The cleric said, “It is the government that is responsible for free and fair election in any country, the government has all the necessary things to make it free and fair.
“The use of security agents should be handled properly to ensure that voters are not intimidated during election.”
He prayed that Nigerians would elect good leaders who would address the issues of corruption, unemployment and poor infrastructure.
“Nigeria need leaders that will carry everybody along to make the country a better place,” he said.
He noted that other African countries have moved ahead leaving the giant “Nigeria” behind.
The Cardinal said that “most countries suffer from national disaster while Nigeria is faced with human disasters” urging Nigerians to serve God more than ever before.
“We should do all we can to realise that we are all children of the same God irrespective of our difference in religion, language or ethnic background,” he said.
Commenting on the Pope’s new year message, he said that it should be practice in Nigeria during the election.
“Political office and political responsibility thus constantly challenge those called to the service of their country to make every effort to protect those who live there and to create the conditions for a worthy and just future.
“If exercised with basic respect for the life, freedom and dignity of persons, political life can indeed become an outstanding form of charity,” he quoted the Pope.
He further admonished politicians not to practice “do or die” politics.
