Voter education is being intensified among Catholics in Sokoto Diocese to enable them as responsible citizens to carry their civic duty during the 2023 elections.
Speaking at a seminar to round off this year’s World Communication week in Sokoto Diocese, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Reverend Matthew Hassan said the Justice, Peace and Development Commission is to partner the Catholic Media Practitioners in the Diocese to produce simple voter education bills for the people.
He urged everyone to be alert to whatever is happening and communicate same to the Catholic Media Practitioners in the Diocese to publicise them to the wider Nigerian public. The Bishop commended the Diocesan chapter of CAMPAN for planning discussion on Your Vote Is Your Power which he said is most topical and urgent.
The Guest Speaker who digested the topic, Dr. Gerald Onwuka said the only way for Nigerians to redress the prevailing anomalies which people are complaining about is to work towards effecting positive change in the scheme of things in Nigeria.
The starting point is for all to ensure they register and obtain their voter’s card without which they cannot exercise their franchise. He recalled that many Christians are lethargic in political discussions leading to voter apathy which he said led to foisting on the country, leaders who cannot fulfil their campaign promises to the nation.
Dr. Onwuka hoped that the provisions of the amended Electoral Act that allows instant transmission of votes cast within a specified time frame will minimize vote rigging in the country.
During interaction after the presentation, there were claims that many local communities are registering and obtaining voter’s cards even for the under-aged and lamented huddles being experienced during biometric capture at Local Government offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The Chairman of the Sokoto Diocesan Chapter of CAMPAN, Sir Matthews Otalike, KSG thanked the Bishop Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah for participating in the seminar and also speaking to the participants.
As part of the World Communication Day celebration, the Associate priest in the Holy Family Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Stephen Amobi Anaedu, in his homily at all the Masses discussed communication as a vital element in human to divine and human to human relations.
He also blessed members of CAMPAN in the Cathedral and their working tools. The same exercise was replicated in all the Parishes in Sokoto Diocese.
