By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North-Central, in Minna)
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish names of centres where voters, especially those who registered online, can collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of next year’s general elections.
CAN chairman, Niger state, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who made the plea in his Democracy Day message to citizens, also wants Christians who are eligible to vote in the 2023 general elections to ensure active participation ahead of the next political dispensation.
He however warned Christians not to sit on the fence and blame bad leaders. “We must all participate actively in the electoral process and avoid statements like, our VOTES DO NOT COUNT. If votes don’t count, politicians won’t bribe or pay people to vote for them”.
Yohanna who is the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said the only way to avoid future blames of having the wrong people in the corridors of power, is to ensure active participation in politics by not only registering with political parties but also vote during the elections.
Tagged, “Clarion call on all Christians in Niger state”, and made available to journalists in Minna on Tuesday, the CAN Chairman, in the message, reminded adherents of the faith in particular on the need to be part of preparations ahead of next year’s election in order not to be left out.
“The 2023 general elections are around the corner and we are the determinants of who governs us in the next dispensation”, Bishop Yohanna said, adding that it is part of their civic responsibility and right to decide who leads Nigerians in the next dispensation.
“The INEC has told us that it recorded about 22.13 percent increase in Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) in 2019. 2023 is around the corner, the final lap towards carrying out your civic responsibility as citizen and as an electorate starts from getting your PVC, so that you can vote on the election days”.
According to the state CAN chairman, “As Christians, we must participate actively in politics, either as members of political parties or as electorates. To avoid regrets in the future, adults of voting age in Niger state must ensure they get their PVCs”.
The era whereby Christians stand by and watch were over, Yohanna pointed out as he called on parents, religious leaders and stakeholders, generally, to take advantage of the ongoing continuous voter’s registration exercise by INEC in order to exercise their franchise.
“We must go all out and get our PVCs because that is the power we have in deciding who will govern us through the ballot papers in making choice of who gets into power. Those who can fix our roads, build hospitals, ensure that our children get better education, provide security for us and our families, basic amenities and also secure the future of our country.
“People say they are not interested in getting the PVC because they are not sure if hired thugs would not disrupt the election; that they are not sure the security situation would allow for any election in 2023 or that the election would be rigged”.
According to him, “If Nigeria must be rescued then Christians must wake up and do the needful. We need to arm ourselves with our PVCs, make all necessary efforts to do so. If we continue to standby and complain, we would not make the desired progress. I will just say to you, Go and get your PVC and be ready to vote". NNL.
