A Non -Governmental Organisation, Emandes Social Development Network, has urged Nigerians to exercise their civil rights by coming out to vote for visionary leaders capable of transforming the nation’s economy.
The Founder of the organization, Mr. Samson Smith, made the call in Abuja on Saturday at a market sensitization walk on: “My Vote, My Livelihood”.
The walk is organized by the group in partnership with Voluntary Service Overseas International (VSO) among others.
According to Smith, everyone must come out and vote because it is their right as patriotic citizens to ensure that visionary leaders are elected.
“We want to urge all citizens of Nigeria to vote for leaders with a clear vision and roadmap for the country because everyone’s vote counts.
“Many people are reluctant to come out and vote because they have the misconception that their vote doesn’t count, but today we want to inform citizens that each of their votes is a key for Nigeria to get it right.
“We are deploying whatever means possible to reach out to as many audience as possible to encourage them to come out and exercise their civic duty,” he said.
He said the group was also bridging language barriers by communicating in different languages like Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.
”We also gave out calendars that highlights Feb. 25 and March 11, to remind citizens of the election days.
“We use ‘my vote, my livelihood’ to inform you that your vote is your livelihood, the people you vote for will determine the quality of livelihood you can get,” he said.
Mrs Moyosoluwa Oladayo, a member of staff of VSO International, stressed the need for citizens to vote with their conscience.
“We are encouraging everyone not to be bought over but ensure that you vote your conscience, irrespective of if your candidate win or not. The fact remains that you voted,” she said.
Oladayo added that when people exercised their rights, they would be confident that they were part of the 2023 elections, the seventh since the civil rule started in 1999.
