*Call For More Enlightenment, Mobilization On CVR
By: Eze Adiuku
As the 2019 general elections draw near, people of Okigwe Local Government Are in Imo State have been urged to enlighten and mobilize everyone that has attained the age of 18years and above to ensure they register and obtain their Permanent Voter cards (PVC).
Speaking at a citizens’ forum held recently at Umuka Hall, Eluala Okigwe, Dr Jude Ohanele, Programme Director of a nongovernmental organization, Development Dynamics, stressed the need for the people to be enlightened and mobilized to participate in the electoral process, especially to get their PVCs, which will enable them make their desired choice of representatives in the 2019 polls.
Dr Ohanele disclosed that the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) include to prepare the voters’ register, let voters know those running for the various offices, ensure availability of electoral personnel and materials at the right place and time during election and to properly collate and announce the right results.
He added that it is the duty of the electorate to adequately participate in the electoral process and also ensure that the electoral umpire does its job accordingly.
In his remarks, the Electoral Officer for Okigwe LGA, Ethelbert Oranebo expressed optimism that INEC with Mahmoud Yakubu as the Chairman is now proactive, stressing that it explains why the recent elections conducted under Yakubu’s watch have been more credible.
The Okigwe EO solicited the support and cooperation of the people so that INEC can serve them better. While lamenting the apparent nonchallant attitude of the people of the area in taking advantage of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), Oranebo tasked participants at the forum to help sensitize their various wards and communities on the need to for people to register and obtain a valid PVC.
He reiterated the resolve of INEC to deliver better electoral service to the electorate, adding that it is why the Resident Electoral Commission (REC) in Imo, Prof Francis Ezeonu has ensured that tge ongoing CVR be taken closer to the people at the electoral wards.
Participants at the forum, which cut across the eleven (11) INEC wards in the LGA, lauded INEC and Development Dynamics for the citizens’ forum, appealing that it should be a regular exercise as the 2019 elections draw closer.
The citizens’ forum is part of Strengthening Citizens’ Engagement in the Electoral Process (SCEEP), which is a programme of Development Dynamics in partnership with her international partners –UKAID and Actionaid.INCE