The Social Action Committee of the Catholic Church has urged Nigerians to vote wisely during the 2023 general elections in order to usher in leaders who would protect the future of the country.
Dame Mary Gonsum, National Coordinator of the committee, said this on Tuesday in Abuja.
She said that Nigerians should vote in leaders who would ensure the safety of all citizens and chart a bright future for the country.
“We need a government that understands that the actions of terrorists undermine and destabilise our unity in diversity, and who have the courage and political will to take them out.
“It is up to us to help rebuild the system of government that will set our priorities, our unique strength as a nation, our optimism and spirit of discovery, our diversity and commitment to rebuild our nation.
“This is for our common good,” the coordinator said.
Gonsum said that Nigerians must learn from the current happenings, register to get their voter’s cards “and take a vote that will rebuild every fallen wall in our country”.
“The future we want, opportunity and security for our families, a rising standard of living, a sustainable and peaceful environment for our children, will only happen if we work together,” she said.
Gonsum, who is also the National President of the Catholic Women Organisation, said to get the right leadership, Nigerians must strive for the common good of all.
“We must reject politicians that target us because of our ethnicity or religion. We must reject those who believe that our voices and actions don’t matter.
“Those with money and power that gain greater control over the decisions that could worsen the current insecurity or allow worst economic disaster. We cannot afford to go down that path.
“Our collective future depends on our willingness to uphold our duties as citizens to register and vote.We need every Nigerian to stay active on this in our public life.”
She also spoke on the need for religious leaders to guide their followers properly and root out misguided ideas that lead to radicalism and discrimination.
“You should reject any form of fundamentalism or a belief in ethnic superiority that makes our traditional identities irreconcilable with modernity.
“You need to embrace the tolerance that results from respect of all human beings,” she said.
Mr Peter Agbontaen, Founder, Catholic Action Nigeria, said the group had commenced a public opinion poll on what Nigerians expect from those aspiring to lead the country.
According to him, the poll is being conducted via www.catholicactionpolls.com and will record people’s preferred candidates, their demands and pressing issues in their constituencies.
“The ongoing presidential aspirants’ poll is to enable Nigerians to vote online and express who their preferredpresidential aspirant is,” he added.
According to him, the outcome of the poll is intended to guide party delegates in the choice they make during party primaries.
“We call on all political parties’ delegates to reject the influence of money in the choice of the parties’ candidates and vote for credibility,” Agbontaen said.
He called on the general public to visit www.catholicactionpolls.com and vote for their preferred aspirants.
The founder said that the committee would associate itself with the top winners after the poll, as they would be those who had the ability to find real solutions to Nigeria’s numerous challenges.
“We will create a moral reformation among Nigerians that will be an essential component for mass political mobilisation in this country,” Agbontaen said.
Chief Emeka Uzowuihe, Chairman, Political and Governmental Affairs Committee of the Church, said they would unveil a clear document before the 2023 elections, titled: ‘How We Want To Be Governed.’ (NAN)
