A certified election monitoring body in Nigeria, Polling Unit Ambassadors of Nigeria (PUAN), Anambra State Chapter, has organized a one-day road walk to sensitize eligible voters in the state on the need to shun all forms of electoral malpractices in the upcoming 2023 general elections.
The road walk which was carried out in Awka, Anambra State capital, was tagged ‘Operation Don’t Buy, Don’t sell your vote’ sensitization.
PUAN is a non-governmental organization registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as a domestic election monitoring group in Nigeria.
The road walk kicked off at UNIZIK Temporary Site and ran through Zik’s Avenue, down to Eke Awka Market, Arroma Junction, Anambra State House of Assembly axis and terminated at INEC Headquarters in Awka.
Members of PUAN also carried placards with inscriptions like “Vote wisely, do not sell your right”, “Don’t sell your vote, don’t sell your conscience”, “Your vote is too expensive to sell, it can cost you your future” and “It is a criminal offence to buy or sell your vote, if you are caught you will be jailed.”
Receiving the group, the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Uchenna Okafor, appreciated them for taking a step of courage, noting that the forthcoming general elections offers another opportunity for Nigerians to take ownership of the country by electing credible leaders capable of tackling the challenges facing the country and changing the national narrative.
Right Honourable Okafor reminded eligible voters of the need to safeguard their permanent voter cards which, he said, are the only tools they can use to enthrone credible leaders.
On his part, the group’s National Director, Contact and Mobilization in the South East, Engineer Okwuchukwu Ogbunuko said that the organization’s objectives include promoting transparency and accountability in governance, educating and encouraging the electorate and advocating strategies for peaceful and participatory democracy.
The Anambra State Ambassador of PUAN, Mr Anthony Nnebedum and the Director, Gender Affairs, Anambra State, Ambassador Stellamaris Ogugua, as well as the Director, General Voter Education, PUAN, Mr Chinedu Nwankwo said that the move will entrench sustainable development.
Speaking further, the senatorial ambassadors representing Anambra South, East and Central, Messers Maryjane Obiora, Ifeanyichukwu Okafor and Obiora Nweke, advised the citizenry on the need to go and collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), noting that vote buying during elections result to choosing incompetent leaders who worsen the living conditions of Nigerians because they cannot address the challenges confronting the country.
