The lndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is set to collaborate with traditional rulers and President-Generals(PG’s) in Anambra State to boost participation in the forthcoming general election.
The partnership was established at a town hall meeting held at the INEC headquarters in Awka, Anambra State Capital.
President, Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU) Anambra central zone, Chief Oforkansi Ikechukwu in his speech assured INEC that the PG’s will do everything in their power to ensure that INEC succeeds in it’s mission.
Chief Ikechukwu while commending the PG’s for their efforts and sacrifices noted that “This is a clarion call and service to humanity and for the betterment of Nigeria. The communities are the backbone of the state. It’s a challenge on us the PG’s to do the needful.
“Let us all go back to our people and spread the message with more efforts. We will use all the means of communication to broadcast the importance of having a Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and also exercising our franchise through sensitisation and education.
In their separate speeches, Honourable Ignatius Okoye, the PG of Okpunu. Hon Okoye Samaul, PG of Amanuke. Hon. Ayiofu Christopher Uba, PG of Ukwulu. Sir. Iyke Okolo, PG of Obosi, PG of Ebenebe, Hon. Paul Nnatuanya, Chief Emeka Mbagha, PG of Nkpor and PG Emiratus of Ichida and executive member ASATU, Chief Coleman Uba urged INEC to widen their reach by coming closer to various communities who are isolated and far from their secretariat.
They also called on all PG’s to provide security during distribution of PVC’s stating that “the 2023 election will be the solution for the insecurity of this country because electorates have another chance to change the narrative.”
They encouraged the REC to continue to do her best towards ensuring the next general election is successful suggesting that churches should be used to pass the message because most persons listen more to there spiritual leaders.
The traditional ruler of Okpuno community, Awka-South Local Government Area, Igwe Simeon Okafor, assured the commission that he would do all humanly possible to assist the commission deliver on their mandate come 2023.
Igwe Okafor also stated that all hands should be on deck in passing the message adding that as communities prepare for general meeting, it will be a good avenue to pass the message.
Anambra State Resident Electoral Commission (REC) ,Dr (Mrs) Queen Elizabeth Agwu in her opening remark said INEC is at the peak of activities and preparations for conduct of free, fair and credible elections and that the commission has published timetable for collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) .
In an interview with VON after the meeting, Agwu lamented the low turnout for the collection of PVCs.
“In this part of the world, a lot of things are taken for granted,people are busy chasing shadows neglecting the substance. many of the PVC’s are here. Since 2019 till this year 2022. People are not eager to collect them.”
Speaking on the reason behind the town hall meeting, Agwu said ‘I felt it’s time to get the people involved in the electoral process, PVC collection and also sensitizing the people. The traditional prime ministers, PG’s of the community and the Igwe’s are always with the people and when they talk to them, they listen.
“I decided to involve them because election is for everybody especially the coming one. It involves everybody. The meeting is geared towards the conduct of the 2023 general elections. I’m calling on all to join hands in making the process a success.
“The traditional rulers and PG’s have assured us that the material and officials will be protected so that we will have a peaceful, free and fair election in Anambra State.
“The PVC’s are sorted ward by ward which makes it easier for collection. I’m currently touring the whole local governments to ensure that people are getting their PVC’s.
“There are more than twenty collection sections in every local government. It’s no more hazardous and that is what we have been able to achieve,” she concluded.
Nnenna.O
