By NewsBits
The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) has called on Nigerians to vote en masse in the forthcoming general elections and make positive influence on future of the country.
NewsBits reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Feb. 25 for Presidential and National Assembly elections as well as March 11 for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.
The Chairman of CLO in Anambra State, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, made the call on Tuesday while speaking to newsmen on the importance of the general elections.
Comrade Ezekwueme noted that for Nigerians to enthrone good governance and servant-leaders, we must all participates in the general elections and vote in selfless, patriotic, God-fearing, charismatic servant leaders.
He explained that “it is only justice, equality, equity, egalitarianism and inclusiveness that precipitate peaceful coexistence and rapid socioeconomic development of our dear country.” According to him, “We solicit for all Nigerians to allow the spirit and principles of social justice, good conscience, and morality in electing our political leaders during the general elections.
“Let us elect meritocracy instead of mediocrity; and base our choices on competence, character, capacity, capability, and contentment. INEC, security personnel, political gladiators, stakeholders, and civil society organizations should work assiduously towards ensuring peaceful, credible, and generally acceptable elections.
“INEC and security personnel should bar party agents from staying closer to voting cubicle as it exacerbates vote buying, corruption and impunity. It is very unfortunate, condemnable, and despicable that party agents watch voters to ensure that they vote for candidates of their choice before they will pay them agreed amount for buying their votes.”
He said that there should be strict actions baring party agents and politicians from staying closer to voting cubicle, as this would discourage and minimise vote buying. “Vote buying is a great threat to our democracy and democratic culture and good governance in the country presently,” he said.
He said that the future and betterment of our country and our children depends on your vote; adding: “Vote your conscience and conviction in order to take back our country and make it to be counted among industrialised nations”.
