The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has urged Nigerians to pay more attention to local elections in their domain during next year’s general and successive elections.
According to him, rather than put all focus on the central elections and who becomes the next president, it was important that Nigerians divert their attention to elections in their Local Government Areas, House of Assembly, and that of federal lawmakers.
Speaking at the annual lecture of The Niche newspapers, on ‘2023 elections and the future of Nigeria’s democracy’, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos State, he said those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring citizens enjoy dividends of democracy, are those in local elective offices and should be focused on.
He added that contrary to insinuations and opposition, the democratic system of government delivers more dividends than any other system of government.
He added Nigerians are faced with another choice in 2023 and it demands of them to choose rightly.
He called on journalists to also ensure issues affecting the people are given prominence in their reportage rather than giving all the spotlights to the politicians and frontline candidates for the 2023 elections.
He said, “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.”
First Republic politician, Tanko Yakasai, was the chairman of the lecture which was attended by former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, former NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, among others.
