By Daniel Tyokua
A group, Better Nigeria Advocacy and Empowerment Initiative (BNAEI) has begun sensitisation of voters on the need to get their permanent voters card (PVC) and participate in the elections.
During the commencement of the education and awareness at Jikwoyi Community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), president of the group, Franklin Ehizuelen said the initiative was to ensure that people fully participate in electing of competent leaders into offices.
He explained that the sensitisation campaign tagged: ‘operation get your PVC, vote and ensure your vote counts’, is in the wake of the conclusion of plans by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence 4th quarter of continuous voter registration exercise.
Ehizuelen, who said the organisation doesn’t belong to any political party, said it wash doing its part to empower people as stakeholders in ensuring a credible elections, because it understands the need for voter education and sensitisation ahead of 2023 elections, as everyone needs to exercise their civic rights .
The president disclosed the NGO identified communities because of the population, poor voter education and awareness, and decided to start the camp there, before taking it to other places.
“We are just starting to make people understand why they should register and collect their the Permanent Voter Card (PVC), in order to vote.
“As stakeholders (voters), we have a right to defend our nation through electioneering , so we must register, collect our PVCs and vote, as well as ensure that our votes count. But, if we don’t do it, we are mortgaging our lives.
“Again, we are also telling the people that they must not sell their votes, but vote their conscience and do the right thing this time”, he stressed.
The desk Officer for voter education, INEC office, in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Chinweuba Obumnaeke, stressed the importance of having a PVC, as it is the only power to vote for someone’s choice as well as a recognised means of identification.
While urging the people to always collect their PVCs from INEC office, the INEC scribe also urged them to properly keep their PVCs to avoid damage.
According to her, “You know that the PVC is ones civic right that gives entitlement to cast vote during elections. We have cases of those that have been registered but have not been able to pick up their PVCs. But, the 4th quarter of the continuous voter registration exercise is about to begin.
“So, we are using this opportunity to sensitise the community to please encourage their people to come out to pick up their PVCs, and those that are 18 years and above, who have not yet registered as voters to use this opportunity to do so, so that they can participate in the forthcoming 2023 elections”.
