The Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Alive Conscience Movement (NACM) has officially inaugurated its State Executive Council and Local Government coordinators for five areas within the Plateau Central Zone. The ceremony, which took place in Jos, represents a significant step in consolidating the movement’s leadership and expanding its influence at the grassroots level.
NACM is a non-partisan civic organization committed to fostering good governance, accountability, and inclusive development across Nigeria. The movement seeks to mobilize citizens and leaders to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, and justice.
Administering the oath of office, Barr. Moses Garba Yusuph emphasized the solemn nature of the pledge, describing it as a sacred commitment that extends beyond a routine formality. He stressed that the oath binds the leaders’ conscience to the organization, the nation, and to God, urging them to discharge their duties with honesty and integrity.
Delivering the keynote address, the Plateau State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, lauded the inauguration as both commendable and timely. He stated that the event reflects a growing wave of civic awareness and a renewed dedication to democratic responsibility among the populace.
Hon. Gar commended the presentation earlier made by a representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting it effectively clarified the crucial role citizens play in the democratic process. He asserted that democracy is not the exclusive domain of politicians but a collective responsibility of all citizens.
“Democracy should not be left solely for those who call themselves politicians; everyone is a politician, from the point of registration to voting,” Hon. Gar stated. “If we all come out to register and vote, our votes will count, and that is how we can produce leaders who genuinely have the interest of the common man at heart.” He said.
The commissioner further underscored that meaningful participation begins with voter registration and must be followed by casting a vote on election day. He expressed concern over historically low voter turnout, identifying it as a critical gap that civic movements like NACM are well-positioned to address.
During the event, Mr. Emmanuel Kwaja, Head of Unit at INEC in Plateau State, provided a sensitization session on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. He stressed that the electoral process effectively begins with registration, and citizens cannot participate in elections without being duly registered.
Mr. Kwaja highlighted the power of the vote as a conscious choice that gives citizens a voice in governance. He urged the newly inaugurated executives and coordinators to mobilize grassroots communities to register, vote, and actively participate in building credible leadership.
In his earlier remarks, Amb. Lokrit Thomas, National Coordinator of NACM, emphasized the strategic importance of Plateau State within Nigeria’s political landscape and described the inauguration of the Plateau Central Zone as a pivotal moment for the movement.
He explained that NACM has identified strong voter interest across the zone and remains committed to sustaining civic engagement through voter education. He warned that apathy could severely undermine democratic participation. According to Amb. Thomas, the movement is determined to mobilize citizens to take full advantage of the CVR window provided by INEC ahead of future elections.
“We will continue to sensitize citizens through symposia, market outreaches, and collaborations with INEC in churches, mosques, markets, and motor parks across the five local government areas in the central zone,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure people do not give up on the democratic process.” He said.
Accepting his new role, Barr. Adamu Kwaltamai described NACM as a national platform dedicated to promoting good governance and accountability. He stated that the movement serves as a reminder to citizens of their responsibility to question leadership and demand answers that reflect the needs of their communities.
Barr. Kwaltamai noted that NACM’s core mission is to reawaken civic consciousness by encouraging active participation in the democratic process, particularly through voter registration and voting. He emphasized that the movement’s focus extends beyond winning votes to ensuring that votes are properly counted and recorded, asserting that credible elections are fundamental to national development.
“This movement is to reawaken the consciousness of Nigerians, to encourage those of voting age to register, vote, and ensure their votes count,” he said. “We are also committed to identifying individuals with a genuine desire to serve their communities and advance good governance in our country.”
Amb. Kwaltamai added that the inauguration marks a foundational step toward coordinated action across Plateau State. He expressed confidence that collaboration with INEC has strengthened the movement’s credibility and assured members that more activities, engagements, and grassroots outreach initiatives will follow in the coming months.
