GROUP URGES NIGERIANS TO OBTAIN PVCs, COMMISERATES WITH FAMILIES OF VICTIMS OF PLATEAU MASSACRE

OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO

Action 2019, a Niger Delta group has commiserated with families of victims recently allegedly massacred in Jos, Plateau State by killer Fulani herdsmen as well as the victims which were burnt in a carnage on Otedola Bridge Lagos State.

Addressing journalists in Okuokoko, Okpe Local Government Area, the group led by Messrs Franklin OseyaEsp, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe and Com. Frederick Mosheshe also called on the Nigerian masses to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC )ahead of the 2019 general elections.

According to the group, this is a very turbulent time for the nation and it calls for sober reflections, adding, “these are clearly uncommon times and government at all levels must be proactive than ever before and stop the buck passing. Political Parties should also stop the blame game on matters of security and other issues of grave national importance. “

While noting that the nation is in another election season, the group said political parties have started branding their wares with the ultimate aim to further hoodwink the masses and take them through another four years of broken promises, failure in leadership and general frustration.

The group advised that to avoid further broken promises, the people should take the bull by the horn by participating actively in politics by ensuring they go out to vote for the candidates of their choice to represent them.

They added, “to avoid and put an end to political shenanigans which has kept this nation on its kneels right from the very beginning, citizen participation is key in demanding and determining the right kind of electoral process and therefore, the right leadership at all levels of government. Our clarion call is on fellow citizens to get their Permanent Voters Card(PVC)as registered voters. The electorate must now look beyond the straight jacket of political parties in the choice of candidates aspiring to lead them at all levels.”

The group further noted, “the people must themselves fetch for credible and capable candidates to present to political parties not political parties choosing candidates for them. They must shun politics of “what’s in for me” and you instead invest in trusted hands who can chart a better future for all.”

The group disclosed that certain “Red Flags” have been identified amongst others just as it called on the Independent Electoral Commission(INEC)and the relevant institutions to address same before the 2019 elections.

They listed the Red Flags are Electioneering Campaigns, Card Reader Technology, PVC’s, Vote Selling, Security and Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2010 as Amended stressing that Section 26 provides and grants INEC the powers to Postpone elections if in its considered opinion there may be likely breach of the peace or occurrence of natural disasters of such ramifications that could jeopardize the conduct of elections.

The group noted, “with the very tensed situation in the country and if nothing is done to curtail same, we fear that we may witness the “doctrine of necessity” which can be used as an excuse to cancel any election or elongate the tenure of the sitting President. We make bold to state that the greatest threat to the 2019 elections is that posted by our security institutions. We are using this opportunity to call on INEC and relevant agencies to address the situation urgently.”

They further noted,  “INEC must live above board like ceasers wife and surpass all past expectations. Such imperfections in the system that would pave way for instance, for court ordered rerun elections three years after the 2015 elections is a bad legacy that must be avoided this time around.”

They spoke further, ” it is imperative to state unequivocally drawing from previous experiences of seating governments at the federal, state and.local governments abdicating their primary responsibility of good governance and focusing on elections that are several months away. Enough is enough, we therefore urge the present day government across board irrespective of party to focus on good governance to her citizens and be guided by the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. Failure to do so will leave us (ACTION 2019) with no option than to mobilize the masses against such individuals or government to the point of seeking redress in the law court to further drive home our points as citizens that deserve better governance from their elected representatives.”