Nigerians, especially the youths have been advised to get their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) in order to make the necessary political changes and also elect competent leaders in 2023.
Civil rights lawyer, Femi Falana, Prof Pat Utomi, Muiz Banire and other leaders of Civil Society Organizations gave the charge during the unveiling of the 40 Milion Ballots Movement at the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking at the unveiling, Prof Pat Utom described the movement as the much needed catalyst to bringing the youths of Nigeria together to speak with one voice in 2023.
According to him, Nigeria’s predicament is much worse than is being speculated, noting that the standard of living of Nigerians in the 60s was much better than that of China, but today, China’s economy is the second largest in the world while Nigeria’s is still tottering.
“Going down the memory lane, we fought the military to get this democracy, and we were all happy, but many years down the line, Nigeria is under the bondage of corrupt politicians who deliberately impoverish Nigerians to retain power.
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He therefore urges Nigerians, especially the youths to get their PVC to free themselves from the present crop of leaders directing the affairs of the nation.
In his own remark, Femi Falana said for Nigeria to have a credible election, people who indulge in ballot snatching and election fraud must be prosecuted to serve as deterrent.
Speaking on the race for 2023, Falana said most of the aspirants currently on ground are not addressing issues, but are diverting attention by their frivolous statements.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to adopt credible ways of conducting the 2023 general elections, especially now that it has been given powers to do so by the new electoral act recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He also advised the youths to register en-mass and take over the country for proper governance.
Earlier in his remark, convener of the programme, Comrade Kennedy Iyere said if many notable Nigerians are part of the movement, the country would be better not just the generation to come but those still living now.
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According to him, the present crop of politicians directing the affairs of the country are leading Nigeria astray and are bereft of ideas on how to make the country better.
“There is the need for us to come together and savage Nigeria. We all need to play active roles by making sure we all get our PVC ready to make the necessary changes in 2023.
“This portal we’re launching today is to enable Nigerians across the federation to join us in moving the country forward, and also create awareness among the youths who constitute over 60 percent of politically active Nigerians.
He said the “Movement”, is an emerging political force of 40 million voters, aimed to evolve into the long-awaited third force, which will wrestle power from the PDP and APC in 2023.
Other dignitaries who attended the unveiling include: Prof Ademola Abbas, Dr. Muiz Banire, Chief Emmanuel Ijewere, Prof Remi Shonaya and Prof Uma Eleazu.