When Nigerians go to the polls in 2023 to elect a new President, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has advised them to utilize competence as a criterion.
The organisation urged Nigerians to avoid getting caught up in a contentious political campaign ahead of the country’s general elections next year.
The words were given by CBCN President Archbishop Augustine Akubeze during the inauguration of the organization’s first plenary in 2022, which was held in Abuja.
Akubeze stated that Nigerians cannot avoid the truth that they often get the government they deserve, stressing that the number of Nigerians who vote is insignificant.
He argued that by permitting a few to choose the future of the majority, those who do not vote have already voted.
Akubeze urged all Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card and prepare to vote for the candidate they believe is capable of guiding the country to a better future.
“Vote for people who have the ability to turn Nigeria into an industrial hub for Africa,” he continued. Vote for candidates who can help Nigeria become a place of opportunity for all. Vote for persons who can help us realize our dreams. Nigerians must avoid becoming engrossed in a divisive political campaign.”
Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Catholic Diocese of Abuja, lamented that Nigerian leaders were not ready to die for the masses.
He observed that Nigerians are yet to find leaders who are prepared to die for their nation, as in the case of the late President of Chad, Idriss Deby, who died leading his people in battle, or recently, like the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is courageously leading his people and stoutly defending the territorial integrity of his nation by an invading hostile power.
Mr Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, listed measures that should be put in place, including stopping the appointment of wrong people in positions, strict enforcement of laws and examining the structure of the States to make the country better.
He advised that Nigerians must stop appointing unqualified people into high offices, saying that there is the urgent need to examine the structure of the States.
The States, as presently constituted, he added, are easily open to manipulation and exploitation by one man – particularly since all executive power is vested in one man under the constitution.
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