CHUKA UBAH
Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, Anambra State Branch has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to create additional Electoral Wards and Polling Units in Anambra State to bring voting centres closer to the people.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the group stated this in view of the November 8th gubernatorial election in Anambra State as contained in a press statement in Awka, Anambra State, endorsed by Comrades Vincent Ezekwueme and Chidi Mbah, Chairman and Secretary respectively.
In the statement tagged, “Our destiny are in our hands”, the CLO enjoined citizens to ensure active participation in all their civic responsibilities, especially the governorship election slated for November 8th.
It will be recalled that CLO has severally appealed to INEC for creation of additional Polling Units and Electoral Wards due to the high concentration of citizens and residents in various new Housing Estates and Layouts especially in Nkwelle, Oba, Nsugbe, Umuchu, Umunya, Aguleri, Obosi and others.
Similarly, CLO appealed for conceited efforts of INEC, National Orientation Agency, Civil Society Organizations, religious, markets and traditional leaders to embark on aggressive mobilization, sensitization and education of the citizenry for active participation in the November 8th governorship election.
“It is very pathetic and painful that during our sensitization excercise towards citizens mobilization for active participation during the forthcoming voters revalidation and registration excercise with the theme, “Your vote, your power to enthrone best servant leaders”, nearly 80 percent of the electorate stated that they will never participate in any future election because according to them, their votes never count. They are discouraged, dissatisfied and disappointed over the outcome of 2023 presidential election, hence the inexorable and ineluctable need for stakeholders to commence in earnest confidence building and assurances that outcome of future elections must reflects wishes and aspirations of majority of the electorate.”
“It is of prime importance for our youths to realize that politics drives socioeconomic, religious and cultural life of every nation. It is noteworthy that “If we don’t take interest in politics, politics will certainly take interest in us.”
“Significantly, Political Parties, Candidates, Politicians and Stakeholders should concentrate more on how to create political awareness and convince the electorate and citizenry in words and actions that their votes must count.”
“We appeal to Federal Government, Independent National Electoral Commission, Security Personnel and Stakeholders to ensure the conduct of credible, free, fair and generally acceptable governorship election in Anambra State as panacea to voters apathy, indifference and nonchalant attitude.”
“Significantly, a vote is a rifle. Its usefulness depends on the voter, hence we must stop complaining and start the healing by voting in God fearing, competent, capable and compassionate servant leaders. Pertinently docile followers precipitates docile, incompetent, selfish and inept leaders” CLO maintained.