The All Progressives Congress, APC, Youth Lobby Group has flagged off its voter enlightenment campaign across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State, south-south Nigeria.
Led by the member representing Cross River State at the national youth lobby group, Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong, the group began the enlightenment campaign from the northern senatorial district comprising Bekwara, Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja, and Yala local government areas.
At each of the local government areas visited, Mr. Ekpenyong, who met with traditional leaders and other prominent people, including a cross-section of young people, charged the youths to take part in mass in the forthcoming extended voters’ registration exercise organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
He explained that INEC would reopen the continuous voters’’ registration exercise by April 11. Urging young people of eligible voting age across the five local government areas to take advantage of the process to register or re-validate their Permanent Voters Cards, PVC, in readiness for the 2023 general elections.
“I seek to motivate, support, and mobilise you as the most active segment of our society.
“Take the electoral process seriously by registering to vote and also offering yourselves to serve our people by aspiring for the position of your choice in the 2023 elections” urged Ekpenyong.
While using the opportunity to thank over 500 youths from each local government area for their attendance at the maiden edition of the APC Youth Summit in Calabar, the Commissioner for Finance urged young people to join hands with the governor, Professor Ben Ayade’s drive to reposition the state’s economy.
“For more than 500 of you to come all the way to Calabar for the youth summit and back shows clearly that you love Ben Ayade and you love the APC.
“The hallmark of the project was to fashion out ways that will ensure every youth within the voting age possesses a valid voters’ card that will be the weapon or instrument of the change you seek,” he said.
Speaking further, he stated, “let me draw your attention once again to the fact that His Excellency, Senator Professor Ben Ayade is not resting on his oars, but works out ways to harness your budding potentials to improve your lot. You should therefore avoid violence and acts likely to harm yourself or the society.”
The Commissioner also enjoined youths, men and women including the traditional rulers of each local government to register as members of the APC in Cross River State to reap greater dividends of democratic governance.
At each of the palaces of the traditional rulers visited, Ekpenyong and his team were warmly received and prayers offered to God on behalf of the Cross River national representative of the APC Youth Lobby Group for strength, wisdom, and ability to lead.
E/Suzan O.
