Politics
THE Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has urged residents of the South-East to participate actively in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to strengthen the region’s political relevance.
The Chairman of CLO in Anambra, Evang. Vincent Ezekwueme, made the call at a press conference on Thursday in Awka, themed, “Our Destiny Is in Our Hands.”
Ezekwueme expressed concern over what he described as poor political participation in the South-East, saying the region consistently recorded low voter registration and turnout during elections.
He said the trend had weakened the region’s political influence and urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and market associations to intensify voter education and mobilisation.
According to him, active participation in elections remains the most effective way for citizens to influence governance and protect their interests.
“The South-East must deliberately mobilise its people to register and vote massively if it wants to reclaim its political relevance.
“Apathy and withdrawal from the electoral process will not give us power. Participation will,” he said.
Ezekwueme attributed growing voter apathy partly to dissatisfaction among some citizens over the outcome of the 2023 presidential election but urged eligible voters not to abandon the democratic process.
He called on the governors of the five South-East states to appoint Senior Special Advisers on Continuous Voter Registration and Electoral Matters to coordinate grassroots mobilisation and strengthen engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The CLO chairman also urged eligible citizens to encourage family members, friends and neighbours to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He welcomed the extension of the CVR exercise by INEC, describing it as an opportunity that should not be wasted.
Ezekwueme, however, alleged that some prospective registrants had been subjected to extortion at voter registration centres in Anambra.
He called on the Anambra Resident Electoral Commissioner to investigate the allegations and sanction any officials found culpable.
According to him, reports that some officials demand between N2,000 and N5,000 from prospective registrants and PVC collectors, if proven, undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
He urged INEC to ensure that voter registration and collection of PVCs remained free, transparent and accessible to all eligible Nigerians.
“Our destiny is in our hands. Register, mobilise, vote and reclaim our voice and honour,” Ezekwueme said.
F.O
Tags: CLO Continuous Voters Registration PVC Southeast Your destiny is in your hands