Babatunde Fasola, the Minister of works in an annual lecture held by the Niche has asked Nigerians to focus more on local elections in their provinces during the forthcoming elections. The annual lecture themed “2023 elections and the future of Nigeria’s democracy’ held on Thursday at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
He admonished Nigerians to channel their energy into elections in the grass roots rather than burn it all on hopes on who the next president of the country is. Present at the event were; Tanko Yakasai, the first republican politician, former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, former NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside and other prominent personalities.
He stated that the local offices are the ones charged with the responsibility of making sure Nigerians exercise their democratic rights. Hence, the need to pay more attention to the local offices.
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As against what has been said about the system of democracy in Nigeria, Fashola said that the system gives more remittance than any other system in the country. He urged Nigerians to take up the responsibility of choosing their candidates even at local levels.
He also encouraged the Nigerian media and practitioners to see to the fact that issues that concern the people are focused on rather than promoting politicians for the forthcoming elections.
“The media must focus its attention on news affecting the majority of potential voters. On how healthcare, education, security of lives and property of Nigerians can be improved,” Fashola said.
Fashola stated that politics should not be done with so much negativity that can demean the nation globally. He said instead of focusing on the blunders presently in the country, politicians and candidates should highlight solutions to the problems the country is facing.
“We can win elections without disrobing our country before the global community. We can do so by valorising and clinging on to hope of Nigeria’s possibilities and not by widening our fault lines,” the minister who is the guest speaker at the event said.
