…Expressed optimism Nigeria will be stronger and more united after 2023 election
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Hon Yakubu Dogara has commended President Muhammadu Buhari on the implementation of what he described as radical electoral reforms by his administration.
Dogara who stated this during the 12th convocation and 15th anniversary of the institution, also said despite the growing anxiety over the election, the country would be more united as a nation, saying the 2023 election would not consume the country even as he singled out the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) which is expected to alleviate irregularities in next year’s highly anticipated elections.
The lawmaker’s comments come five days after defecting from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“As we approach the elections to choose another set of leaders, we must apply radical solutions to solving our leadership problems,” Dogara said during his address as the university’s chancellor.
He explained that being radical meant to shun violence and vote-buying, while impressing peaceful electoral process that entailed orderliness and voting according to one’s conscience.
“In this regard, permit me to commend Mr President – President Muhammadu Buhari – for ensuring a service from my heart, radical reforms in the electoral process for votes to count, especially with regard to the use of BVAS,” the former Speaker said.
“If he follows through (with) this and walks his talk, he would bequeath on us a democratic legacy that has no parallels in Africa. I therefore say that Mr President has a date with history and he can truly be a hero for democracy if he ensures that our votes count.”
“And truly thereafter, we can now beat our chests and say, ‘We have elected leaders because our votes count and we have the leadership that we deserve. So, it may as well be a challenge to ensure that we follow through (with) the reforms and ensure that we carry them across the finish line.”
Addressing the graduands, he charged them to remember that their power is their vote, which he according to him is also their future. He urged the students not to sell their votes nor “keep it in your room.”
“You must use it. Participate by coming out massively to vote for your conscience,” he added.
Dogara expressed optimism that the 2023 elections would make Nigeria be stronger and more united.
He, however, called on Nigerians to employ radical solutions in solving the leadership problems and challenges confronting the country, urging Nigerians to speak with their PVCs.
According to him, being radical was to shun violence, vote buying, and embrace peaceful electoral processes that entailed orderliness, restoring the sanctity of the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions in order to build a just, fair and equitable society for all.