14th December, 2014
The Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of Catholic Diocese of Lokoja has called on Nigerians to elect credible candidates into public office.
The was contained in a communiqué signed by Mr Simon Enejor, Secretary of the commission, at the end of its 2014 Good Governance Week and made available to NAN on Sunday in Lokoja.
It called on all eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) to enable them participate in the election process to enthrone good governance in the country.
The communiqué also called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the media and other stakeholders in the country to monitor all political activities toward smooth conduct of the 2015 general elections.
JDPC urged the Police and other security personnel deployed to provide security during the polls to be neutral in their conduct so as to engender the electorates’ confidence in them.
The commission also suggested that all party flag bearers in the elections be made to engage in public debate before the elections.
It urged INEC to ensure that electoral materials got to the designated polling units/stations in good time as this would go a long way in checking malpractices.
JDPC, however, cautioned the electorates against selling their votes, saying that such act would not only mortgage their future but also that of their children.
It said that the workshop was aimed at raising awareness of participants and the general public on electoral processes and the need to enthrone good governance through participation.
According to the 12-point communiqué, the week-long workshop was attended by security agencies, Faith-based groups, CSOs, women groups, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the media.