By Akeem Abas
Ibadan – Mr Bayo Onanuga, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), has urged Nigerians to vote only for candidates and parties with laudable and credible programmes.
He made the call during the 6th Parliamentary Lecture of National Association of Oyo Students (NAOS) on Friday at Atiba University in Oyo.
Onanuga, who delivered a lecture entitled “Towards 2019: The issues before Nigerians”, urged Nigerians to always demand politicians’ programmes before voting for them.
He noted that voting should not be based on religion, ethnic or financial inducements.
“Nigerians should stop voting on the basis of religion, ethnic or financial offer.
“Always ask them questions about what they want to do. It does not make any sense for voters to collect money from politicians,” he said.
The NAN boss, who narrated his ordeal in the struggle for democracy, stated that 2019 could not be projected without considering the circumstance of the nation in 2015.
According to him, the current administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari has improved the situation of the country from what he met.
He said that the achievements of every administration should be analysed on sectoral basis, adding that Buhari had done well.
A special guest, Prince Kabir Gbadegesin, who described Buhari as an honest leader, expressed regret that Nigerians were yet to believe that justice had not been done under him.
“Buhari so far remains honest, but corrupt persons are being protected under his watch,” he said.
Earlier, Iyowu Idris, the Speaker of the Parliament, said the topic of the lecture was timely as the 2019 general elections drew nearer.
He said it was targeted at exploring how good government and better participation could be engendered.
Idris added that the lecture was the sixth edition, listing Sen. Shehu Sani, Sen. Adesoji Akanbi and Dr Seun Kolade as some of the past guest lecturers.
