Abuja The National Chairman of the Democratic People’s Party (DPC) Rev. Olusegun Peters has called on Nigerians to support the efforts of security agencies to rid the country of criminal elements.
Peters made the appeal at the first National Convention of the party on Thursday in Abuja.
He advised the Federal Government to provide the security agencies with equipment and logistics needed to confront all threats against the collective security of the country.
”I am using this opportunity to remind the Federal Government, especially President Muhamadu Buhari that the core of the mandate given to him by Nigerians is protection of life and property.
” This is the most important of all the responsibilities of any government. And any government that did not meet this objective seizes to have legitimacy to exist,”
Peters urged youths in the country to take their destinies into their hands adding that the future of the country belonged to the youth.
”If they are waiting for the old discredited politicians to hand over power to them they will be waiting in vain.
” They should get actively involved in politics and present themselves for elections. This is the time for them to change the narrative of our country.
”They cannot enforce the change they want on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.”
The DPC chairman advocated a proportional representation in the legislative arm of government at state and national assemblies as a panacea to winner takes all syndrome that breeds acrimony, violence election rigging and malpractice.
” The DPC advocates for a maximum of three terms limit for lawmakers. We can no longer accept the situation were the legislature has become a retirement homes for former governors and their cronies.
”In line with our support for the restructuring of the country, we demand for autonomy for Local Governments.”
DPC’s National Secretary, Alhaji Lawal Mohammed condemned the registration of under age voters as published in national dailies and the social media.
He said that the party would not tolerate electoral malpractice that would jeopardize the forthcoming Ekiti and Osun states governorship elections.
Lawal described the improved INEC card reader and approval of electronic voting system by the National Assembly as giant steps forward in the conduct of free and fair elections.
The party’s National Women Leader Mrs Seiyefa Eches said the party was gender friendly adding that it would continue to attract more members to its fold.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Peters was returned unopposed as National Chairman of the party at its executive elections.
Similarly, Muhammed Lawal was elected unopposed as the party’s National Secretary while Williams Awosola emerged as its National Treasure.