As the deadline for the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Permanent Voters Cards registration exercise approaches, Nigerian youths have been urged to take advantage of the election umpire’s online platform and upgrade their status.
The Christian Central Chapel International Founder, Bishop Emmah Isong, advised during an exclusive interview with Voice of Nigeria in Calabar, the State’s capital.
Bishop Isong, also the Publicity Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, noted that the youths from many countries vote strongly and spend more time on social media than any other demographics.
According to him, “the youths are bickering about change. So, I would advise them to ensure they all have their PVCs.
“If they think that physically going to INEC’s office is cumbersome, of course they can take the other route, which is familiar to them, get to the link upload and then do the upgrade of their PCV.”
Democratic solution
The PFN Publicist noted that the youths were constantly expressing displeasure over the current situation in Nigeria, especially with the ENDSARs protection, which left deep imprints on the country.
He stated that the best and most acceptable way for the youths to express their desire for real change would be to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice in the 2023 general elections.
Isong stated, “the youths are telling us they are tired of what is happening in Nigeria. ‘ENDSARS’ is not the solution; bloodshed is not the solution; neither is riot nor strike action. These are archaic! In the modern world, the democratic process is the way out, which is exercising your franchise through the ballot box.”
PFN declaration
Bishop Isong reminded the youths and Christians of the PFN declaration of Sunday, June 26, 2022, the sensitising and encourage members who have developed apathy towards elections to prepare for the general elections.
On church leaders already enforcing the registration and collection of PVCs in the congregation, Isong reasoned that adopting harmless strategies which would persuade Christians to collect the PVC and vote for the right leaders during the general elections was appreciated rather than encouraging violence.
“Any way we can come out of the problems of kidnappings, senseless killings, poverty, economic doldrums, and diminishing returns to small and medium scale businesses.
“Let us use such, provided it is bloodless and harmless. I totally support any strategy that would coerce Nigerians and possibly get them eager to get their PVCs,” he stated.
Beyond divisive lines
Bishop Isong also urged the people of Cross River State to look beyond party lines and vote for the right persons rather than recourse to fasting and prayer as the solution to societal challenges.
“I challenge Nigerians, especially the people of Cross River State, to get it right this time. We keep getting it wrong and go fasting and praying as the solution.
“I will not be willing to join any prayer and fasting if we get it wrong again, may God forbid.
“I think we should even be party blind. We should be religious and regionally blind.
“We should start now to understand, who can lead and listen to us not a person who would put off his phone after he wins election because this is very auspicious time, a very critical time in the lives of the Cross River people and Nigerians,” he added.
S.O
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