APRIL POLLS: CENTRE TASKS NIGERIANS ON CREDIBLE LEADERS

Ahead of this year's general elections, the Centre for Better Society in Nigeria (CBSN) has urged Nigerians to ensure victories of credible leaders who have the interest of the nation at heart rather than unscrupulous elements who went into politics for selfish reason.

National President of the group, Pastor Vincent Ibhaze, who was supported by the National Vice President, Mr. Dixon Jubril and National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obue Kennedy Ede, made the disclosure during a news conference in Lagos.

Ibhaze was hopeful that if Nigerians could cast their votes massively for people of unquestionable characters irrespective of political, religious and social affiliations, the country would be a better place to live in future.

He, however, congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by Professor Attahiru Jega on the successful conduct and completion of the recent voters' registration exercise despite the initial hitches that greeted the exercise.

The massive turn out and success recorded during the exercise, according to him, bore testimony to the fact that Nigerians were prepared to give Project Nigeria a chance to succeed. He added that it was an indication that Nigerians and the political class have come to terms with the reality that the country must move forward.

'Based on this achievement, it is safe to say that the federal government and in deed Nigerians have decided to make Nigeria a better society for all.

As a result of the level of transparency displayed by President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration so far, the centre for a Better Society in Nigeria feels confident to call on Nigerians from all walks of life especially students, market women, religious bodies, civil society groups and so on to rally their support for Goodluck Jonathan to ensure his victory in the April 2011 general elections.

'We at the CBSN have already commenced a nationwide grassroots mobilization of millions of Nigerians on the need to cast their vote in favour of credible leaders who have the nation at heart rather than their personal interest and ensure their victory in the April 2011 General Elections, President Goodluck Jonathan inclusive.

'The fairness displayed by President Goodluck Jonathan in the Delta State re-run elections, presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his neutrality to judicial matters especially in the Ekiti and Osun State electoral disputes, are testimonies to the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan has come as an agent of change and transformation and will not tarnish his reputation by engaging in electoral manipulation.'

The non-governmental organisation also commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo, an elder statesman, Chief Solomon Lar and Chief Anthony Anenih as well as President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar, traditional leaders and notable Nigerian leaders for using their respective positions to ensure peace and stability in the country in the face of ethno-religious and political crises besetting the nation.