By Jubril Bada

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) has been commended for extending the ongoing registration exercise as the move will enable more eligible citizens to perform their civic responsibility.

Ondo State council for Islamic Affairs ( ODSCIA ) in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Imam Habeebullah Akinpelumi and General Secretary, Alhaji Nasirullah Atere  appealed to all Nigerians of 18 years and above to make maximum use of the remaining days to register in order to obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC).

Recall that the INEC extended the date for registration till the end of this month to allow Nigerians register for their PVC, transfer and collection of their cards.

While urging the electoral umpire to further decentralise its operations in order to bring democracy closer to the grassroots and to facilitate more citizens participation in governance, ODSCIA urged Nigerians to shun parochial sentiments but rather vote for the best candidates when the polls open in the 2023 general elections.

While expressing total support for the recent Ondo state government’s directive on the installation of CCTV cameras at worship centres and other public places, the council called for the deployment of plain cloth, detectives at religious gatherings to protect lives and property.

The council also made a strong case for improvement in national security as a matter of urgency with a view to encouraging Nigerians to turn out en masse in exercising their franchise without fear of any harassment, attack or molestation.

The statement read “furthermore, security threats are becoming rampant in many places in recent times. It is essential to be more security conscious. We need to request for the posting of security personnel to our places of worship, especially for Friday congregational prayers.”