He emphasised the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other duty-bearers to be aware of the peculiarities and tendencies in different parts of the country and to address the gaps expeditiously in order to conduct credible elections that are free of problems.
Yesterday, at the Pre-election debate hosted by Caritas Nigeria in Abuja, Obodoechina said that Nigerian elections have been plagued by all sorts of irregularities, thuggery, and disputes, and he expressed confidence that the next elections will be a positive turning point for the country.
The preacher added that Nigerians have a high degree of anxiety and apprehension over the upcoming elections; thus, INEC and security agencies must inform Nigerians of their level of preparation in order to allay their anxieties; else, they may not participate in the polls.
He stated, "Since the return of democracy in 1999, our elections have been plagued by vote box thefts and various forms of intimidation.
"We are attempting to determine how we might conduct the upcoming elections differently. We conducted research to inform duty bearers of their respective duties in preventing a repetition of the past.
"The studies were intended to assist INEC in identifying regional characteristics and challenges. Existential facts include, for instance, the difficulty of Monday stay-at-home and the overall insecurity of kidnapping. How will general elections be held in these regions without hiccups and prosper?
Adding: "In the North-East, we have an issue with the Boko Haram insurgency, which has caused people to flee their homes, and you are to conduct elections there.
"Responsible parties must be aware of these trends, fix the gaps, and inform Nigerians of their level of readiness in order to allay their anxieties, since if they persist, Nigerians may not participate in the elections.
"The problem of insurgency in the North/East and the sit-at-home movement in the South-East are sufficiently worrying, and the relevant government authorities should be able to convince the public that they have nothing to worry about. The security services should fulfil their tasks, but if the government and duty-bearers do not actively encourage people to participate in the polls, this might have a detrimental effect."
Obodoechina added that although Nigerians are already traumatised, it is their duty as citizens to take control of their futures.
"Therefore, Nigerians should not be apathetic about the elections since the Nigerian project is our project, and they should vote to make a message," he remarked.
(Source: guardian.ng)
