The Vice-Chancellor of Dominican University, Rev. Fr.  Akinwale said for Nigeria to be a better place, politics and morality must go hand-in-hand as there is more to share between the leaders and the led.

Professor Akinwale made this known on Monday  while delivering a lecture at a symposium titled “Responsible Electioneering and Campaigning: What is my role as a Citizen” organized by the Saint Vincent Ferrer Fraternity to mark the Saint Catherine of Sienna Feast Day at Tom&Carolyn Walker Hall, Dominican University, Samonda, Ibadan.

Rev.Fr.Prof. Akinwale,VC Dominican University,Samonda,Ibadan.

The VC stressed that good Christians are good citizens and good citizens are expected to perform their duties which includes participation in the electoral process.

He encouraged Christians to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and participate during election as non-participation is a sin.

However, he advised that Christians should vote for leaders of multiple competences.

“It is biblical to participate in electoral processes, but it is very important to vote wisely. Before you vote for a candidate, ensure you know him/her very well, examine his/her antecedents, failures and landmark achievements. Leaders of multiple competences are needed in Nigeria, leaders who are intelligent, moral and technically competent.” he said.

Earlier on, Prof. Adenike Emeke, the President of the fraternity, in her welcoming address, gave a brief explanation about the symposium.

Prof.Adenike Emeke delivering her welcoming speech

“Today’s event is an annual event and contemporary issues are usually treated, we are all aware of the forthcoming election and that is why we are shedding light on this crucial matter which centers on what a citizen should know and understand even as the 2019 election is fast approaching, we are going to examine it from the church, security, legal, civil society and INEC perspectives”.

Speaking from the civil society perspective, Mr.Jide Bamgbose   affirmed that citizens have the right to vote for any candidate so they should not be cajoled or enforced. He encouraged Nigerians to facilitate emergence of well-organized civic movement at the grassroots, coordinate intensive civic education that will enlighten voters as well as tracking electioneering processes and actors.

Mr.Jide Bamgbose explaining the topic fro civil society perspective

Also, the assistant Commissioner of Police of Oyo State, ACP (Dr.) Sybil Akinfenwa while addressing the attendants, announced that the police are getting fully prepared for the election. She explained that the police force have vital roles to play before, during and after election.

“Security obligations before, during and after electioneering and voting are numerous but it can be summarized to the maintenance of law and order. Police must intervene and not interfere; however, Policemust be at alertness, approachable, professional, impartial and must not use force unnecessarily. If you see any erring police officer who contravene this, kindly report to the most senior officer on ground. Do not attack any police yourself and if there is any need to take pictures, do it wisely”.

ACP(Dr.) Sybil Akinfewa during her session

Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Oyo state, Barrister Mutiu Agboke said necessary measures are being put in place to ensure free, fair and credible election in 2019.He said INEC is a body created by law cannot contradict the law.

“INEC is saddled with the responsibility of registering political parties, conducting of  political campaign, assessing campaigns expenses ,Voters registration and Continuous Voter registration(PVR)” he said.

Resident Electoral Commisisoner (REC),Barrister Mutiu Agboke explaining from INEC perspective

He lamented at the rate at which people refused to collect their PVCs in the state and encouraged them to do so. Barrister Mutiu while speaking with CEOAfrica correspondent said that the body has been visiting media houses to sensitize the masses to collect their PVCs and will soon be moving around to distribute the cards through mobile offices.

Side view of attendants