By CHARLES IWUOHA

An elder statesman, Chief Ndubuisi Ebiliekwe, on Sunday urged Nigerians in the spirit of Democracy to participate vigorously in ongoing nationwide Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

Ebiliekwe, who is popularly known as Ebilikoko, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Enugu after President Muhammadu Buhari reassured Nigerians of fair and credible 2023 General Elections during a nationwide Democracy Day broadcast.

He spoke on the sidelines of some Nigerians complaining of bad governance and the need to ensure only people-oriented leaders are elected come 2023 General Elections.

The elder statesman noted that going through the CVR process and obtaining one’s Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) remained the first step in the right direction for the majority of Nigerians to elect truthful and god-fearing leaders.

According to him, with the recent political developments and the obvious ambitious scheme of some politicians to take power at all cost, no Nigeria should sit on the fence any more.

“Nigeria belongs to Nigerians and not ‘at all cost politicians’.

“We must resist them by ensuring that we stop complaining and do the voting in our overwhelming numbers to root out those that think the country is for sale.

“Every adult of 18 years and above should obtain their voters cards. Let us not marginalise ourselves by not deeply getting involved in the ongoing national politics as the first step is getting a voter’s card.

“I appeal to social, religious and community leaders to come out from their comfort zones and go to their respective families, communities, electoral wards and states to enlighten and mobilise residents to vote.

“They should target youths and those that never voted before to obtain their voters’ cards and make the needed change for the greater good of the next generation and young ones,” Ebiliekwe, who is a business tycoon, said.

The elder statesman lauded Buhari for assent to the amended Electoral Bill and ensuring that the electoral process remained manipulation-free.

He said that the Democracy Day broadcast was reassuring and an impetus for Nigerians to participate in democratic rule and have firm confidence in the electoral system

“I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure extension of the ongoing CVR registration date in the overall interest of the country.

“The commission should ensure that the electoral timetable is followed logically and all political gladiators have equal playing field,” he added.

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