The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, would want to see a constitutional reform that makes voting a duty, as opposed to a right, for all citizens.
He made this statement on Tuesday at the 6th Babatunde Raji Fashola (BRF) Gabfest held in Lagos while reacting to the perceived increase in Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) collection and what should motivate the citizens to get involved in voting their representatives into elective offices.
Fashola stated that no system was flawless and said that he rejects the assumption that the Nigerian situation is hopeless.
“Democracy is not divine,” said the minister who stressed the need for people to continue to build. “It’s a manmade idea – created by men… democracy is not perfect and so, must be constantly modified.”
The former governor of Lagos State also discussed the role of the various branches of government in shaping the nation.
“The local government is the most important government. Let us pay attention to the local government… because we all seem to be fixated on who becomes the president,” he said.
The hybrid event titled ‘What are we voting for?’ began with a panel discussion on the attributes Nigerians should look for in the next set of leaders.
Six panellists from diverse disciplines and endeavours spoke at length about governance and provided insightful commentary on nation-building and the 2023 elections.
The annual event, conceived as part of efforts targeted at creating a platform for the active involvement of the youth in Nigeria’s future, is an activity lined up to celebrate the 59th birthday of the minister.
