From Israel Mbam, Abakaliki
A social cultural and non-partisan organization known as Edda Egbebu Elites Forum (EEEF) has called on all residents of Afikpo South Local Government Area, to as a matter of necessity and in keeping to their civic duties use the period provided by INEC to collect their permanent voter’s card at their various wards. This, the group said was to enable them vote candidates of their choice in the February 25th and 11th March 2023 general elections. The call was made at a one-day sensitization rally held across villages, wards and communities in Afikpo South LGA on Thursday 12th January, 2023.
Addressing journalists at the end of the mobilization and PVC collection sensitization rally, the National Vice President of Edda Egbebu Elites Forum, Engr. Ogbonnaya Oka and other Executive explained that though the forum was apolitical, the sensitization using public address system to move round the villages in Edda was part of their social responsibility as a development conscious organization. They added that with the new electoral guideline, and promises of free and fair elections in 2023 by INEC, the forum deemed it necessary to mobilize the people of Edda to go and collect their PVCs in their various wards and vote for the right candidates that would bring development and good governance at all levels.
“This sensitization rally is sponsored by Edda Egbebu Elites forum. The aim is to mobilize our people to go and get their registered Voters card, which is their power to vote in the forthcoming general election. Without the PVC, you cannot vote candidates of your choice and you cannot bring positive change in Nigeria and in Ebonyi State.
“SO, today as a forum, we went round all the villages, wards and communities, including markets and motor parks using public address system to talk to the people on the need to go to the various collection centers to pick their cards. We explained to them that the collection is ongoing and it is very important and does not take time. Again, we told them the need to come out on Election Day and cast their vote for their preferred candidate because this time, their votes will count according to INEC”.
Engr. Oka while speaking further, noted that the forum does not sympathize with any political party and that the program was not by any political party or politician. He added that it was part of the social responsibility of Edda Elites Forum who are always interested in the progress, peace and development of Edda land.
“Edda Egbebu Elites Forum is made up of personalities from different professions and disciplines. We are independent, we do not belong to a particular political party, neither are we being sponsored by any particular individual. Our major interest is welfare, peace progress, justice, good governance and development, especially in Edda land.
“Part of our programmes is to advocate for peaceful and violence free political activities in Edda. We want people to freely express themselves without any form of intimidation. We want our people to go collect their PVCs and discharge their civic responsibility and above all, we are warning against electoral violence. There is no need of fighting, killing people or destroying properties in the name of politics. All these and more are what we are sensitizing the people on. This forthcoming election is an opportunity to change bad leadership at all levels and our people should be ready to do that using their PVC. Imagine a liter of fuel at four hundred naira.
“We took these messages to all the nooks and crannies of Afikpo south LGA. We went to all parts of Amangwu Edda, Osuu, Owutu, Amosu, Etiti, Ekoli, Item, Nguzu, Ebunwanna, Ogbu and other parts of Edda. We shall continue with other programs aimed at ensuring peace, progress and development of Edda people,’’ he concluded.
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