As the 2023 general elections draws closer, Nigerians have been asked to vote in competent politicians and not mediocre, so as to better reposition the country for the development.
The advice was given by a group of Christian business men under the auspices of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International Nigeria, FGBMFI–Nigeria.
National President of the Fellowship, Ifeanyi Odedo, said with the myriads of challenges facing the country especially that of insecurity and economic downturn, the citizens cannot afford to fold their hands, but must partner with government towards successful elections.
Odedo who was speaking at a briefing to unveil the line up of activities for the 2022 National Convention scheduled to hold in Abuja, stressed that the citizens cannot vote mediocre and expect “first class performance.”
He warned that a nation rises or falls on the quality of its leadership as, “You cannot vote for a mediocre and expect a first class performance. We therefore, urge Nigerians to ensure that we vote in the right calibre of people at the coming elections. We exhort our members, in particular, and Nigerians in general, to ensure that they exercise their franchise by voting during the elections.”
He therefore called on the government and election umpires to put all the necessary machinery in motion to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
“Never in the history of our nation have the citizens been concerned and sensitised with the need to get it right at the polls than 2023 General Elections. We abhor and warn against money politics and vote-buying this time around.”
Speaking on the same faith ticket pushed by some political parties, Odedo said there is a great need for inclusiveness to enable all segments of the Nigerian society to be carried along in governance.
In his words, “The ideal thing is a mix of the two dominant faiths in the country and as such we abhor same faith candidature in our country.”
He said the 2022 National Convention with the theme, “Thou Art My Battle Axe”, will seek to uphold the nation in prayers while advancing the cause of national growth through promotion of investments and the national image.
Furthermore, the Fellowship used the occasion to commend the Federal Government for its efforts at fighting insecurity and working to bring socio-economic stability in the land.
“We however, appeal that no stone should be left unturned to ensure that we bring a permanent solution to the problems of insecurity confronting this nation and the economic hardship that Nigerians are facing today.
‘We also convey our deepest
sympathies to victims of kidnappings and insurgencies across the nation. Similarly, we express our condolences to people affected by the ravaging flood in the nation.
“We urge the government at all levels to do everything necessary to mitigate the hardship that victims are facing and to check future occurrences”, he stressed.
Some of the resource persons expected at this year’s National Convention scheduled for November 10 – 12, 2022, include the renowned preacher, Gbile Akanni, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, among other prominent Nigerians.
