Follow Us on Google
By Ngozi Nwoke
The president-general, Igbo-speaking Community in Lagos, Chief Cyril Sunday Eze, has urged the Igbo in Lagos State to be good citizens. He urged his kinsmen to be law-abiding and shun any act that could tarnish the image of the people.
Eze also advised them to come out en masse to register and get their permanent voter’s card (PVC) ahead of the 2023 election to vote a candidate capable of ensuring good governance, rather than plunge Nigerians into unbearable hardship.
He gave the charge during a press conference recently in Surulere, Lagos, noting that adequate security guarantees a free, fair and credible election.
He said: “Igbo Speaking Community, as a concerned organisation, has done a lot in broad-based mobilization for citizens to register and get their PVCs. Our evaluation shows that our campaigns have yielded tremendous results, especially in the markets, community development and town unions.
“While we have put in place a robust structure to sustain this campaign, our organisation is also advancing in voter education so that our people will understand what the newly passed Electoral Act says as it relates to registration, voting or contesting election, to avoid invalidation and losing their rights to vote or to be voted for. We are also mobilising and encouraging qualified and capable members to vie for elective positions in the forthcoming 2023 elections.
“We use this medium and opportunity to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate responsibility and efficiency by ensuring that all those who registered for their PVC are issued their cards to enable them vote in the forthcoming elections.
“Furthermore, INEC would have done Nigeria and Nigerians the best and most beneficial duty if it puts adequate machinery in place, including commitment to strong will and equity, to conduct free and fair elections for the country. We wish to say that our peaceful coexistence and future hang on the capacity of INEC to deliver without fear or favour.
“Adequate security is more important now that the 2023 general election is approaching. The security agencies have a very critical duty to do for our dear nation on these election days. They should be alert, work with INEC and for Nigeria with diligence, fortitude and forthrightness; it will be in their hands to provide adequate security for our peaceful coexistence as a country.”
Chief Charles Chukwu Agunaemeodu, deputy president of the organisation, also stated that: “The first proactive measure to secure the best candidate is for everyone to get their PVCs. We must get it right this time. The Igbo Speaking Community is a concerned organisation. We are not pleased and satisfied with the level of leadership we are experiencing. A lot of Nigerians are groaning and complaining bitterly about the hardship facing the country. And when it is time to vote, they should vote wisely with their conscience. We also implore the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that all registers PVCs are issued out to the rightful owners. We trust and hope for the best.”
Chief Jude Tony Ejeagha, former vice-president of organization, appealed to the youths to shun violence and refuse to be manipulated during the election process.
He said: “We believe in one Nigeria here in the Igbo-speaking Community. We believe in the peace, progress and unity of Nigeria. We want all Igbo to remain unshaken by any form of intimidation that will distract them from voting the right candidate. We are a law-abiding organisation, so, we cannot be intimidated in any way. We appeal to all Igbo youths to stand in the right direction and not allow themselves be used for electoral violence.”
Chief (Mrs.) Gloria Amaizu, woman leader of the organisation, said: “As a mother, I am worried about the future of my children and grandchildren with the kind of leadership failure in Nigeria. I also expect every concerned mother to be worried because what we see today, with the insecurity, unemployment, lack of quality health care and lack of other basic amenities, it is enough to give a mother concerns. So, all mothers should lead their children the right way by advising and educating them on the need to get their PVCs and vote the right candidate.
“Mothers are also expected to warn their children against being used to cause violence or disruption during the elections. We as parents should know better than the children. We as parents should teach our children the consequences of causing violence during an election. We are not left out in the voting process. All mothers should participate in the PVC registration and voting exercise to secure the future of our children.”
