…Abia NOA Engages The Masses For Increased Participation In The 2023 General Elections
FIC Report (Abia State) – In furtherance with the mandate of the National Orientation Agency to sensitize the general public on Government policies, programmes and activities, NOA has organized a one day Interactive programme in Umuahia, Abia State, on Continuous Voter Education towards achieving credible and violent free 2023 general elections with the Theme, “Engaging the masses for increased participation in the 2023 general elections”.
The SSG Abia State, Barr. Chris Ezem has charged Abians to have a renewed mindset towards Nigeria election as this will enable a violent free election.
The SSG ably represented by Mr Emma Ibem made this statement in his speech while addressing Members of the public that attended the workshop.
He said,”let us spread the information that everyone should come and cast their vote using their PVC which will help vote in credible candidates for the benefit of all”.
The SSG Abia State commended NOA for a timely,apt and interactive program which is geared towards further sensitization of the masses for increased participation in 2023 general election.He encouraged them to keep up the good work.
The State Director of National Orientation Agency, Abia State, Lady Chibuogwu Edede in her opening remarks pointed out that the one day workshop on continuous voters education is a sensitization program for the people of Abia Central aimed at mobilizing the people to participate in voting during 2023 election.
She noted that the political arena is gradually getting to it’s peak point and the question on the mind of stakeholders is how do we have credible and violent free election.
In her words, “It is important to note that the past decades may have experienced space of violence and hooliganism which has marred the credibility of elections in Nigeria and also frustrated effort at deepening true democracy”.
She prayed that 2023 election should reflect the desire of Nigerians by providing the credible and transparent elections that reflects the will of Nigerian voters in a process that will be conducted peacefully.
Lady chibuogwu Edede noted that Nigeria is our country and can still be beautiful.she implored youths to shun hooliganism and thuggery which have in the past led to their death and embrace peace, say no to vote buying and come out enmass to vote-in credible candidates of their choice.
The Assistant Police Commissioner,zone 9, Abia State, ACP Alabi while discussing on the theme “Achieving peaceful and violent free 2023 general election” ,stated that it is possible to achieve a violent free election if the key players are willing to play by the rule.
He opined that election is a process that ends with the election proper and pointed out that the security agencies have been pro active since the beginning of the process.
According to him, “It is incumbent on security agencies to create a conducive environment for electoral activities and we have been pro active since the beginning of the process”.
ACP Alabi further said that in order to create a conducive environment for electoral activities the police presently have visible patrol in major areas, stop and search team to discourage carrying or importation of arms, security for electoral materials, party agents, electoral observers, eligible voters, INEC workers, etc. He added that police will work with other security agencies to ensure a violent free election.
Also while addressing the House on Achieving credible election, the HOD, INEC Voters Registration and Publicity,Lady Rebecca Dim, assured Abians that all that is needed for the conduct of a free and fair election in Abia State are on ground.These she said includes electoral materials, arrangement for transport, training of adhoc staff, preparation of super camp for INEC adhoc workers to enhance easy distribution of materials and early takeoff.
She informed the House that Abia has 184 wards and 4062 pooling units, Abians can find out their wards and pooling units on, “cvr.inec.nig.com, election starts by 8:30am and ends by 2:30pm, accreditation and voting will be done simultaneously,the ballot paper for voting must be stamped,dated and signed and that the first election that is the Presidential, Senate and House of Representatives election will take place on 25th February,2023.
She thereby implored Abians and Nigerians to come out enmasse and cast their vote, promising that their vote will count.
Amah Ijeoma.
Information Officer
FIC Umuahia.
