CTA, KIF engage Orumba South citizens on voter enlightenment programme

 

CTA, KIF engage Orumba South citizens on voter enlightenment programme

...urge them to shun violence, vote buying, rigging during Nov polls.

From Uchenna Ezeadigwe 

Awka

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy in collaboration with Koyenum Immalah Foundation with support from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have held citizens sensitization and englighment education programme aimed at informing the voters in Orumba South the right values for november 8th election in Anambra state.

The Voter Enlightenment and Education  focused  on key areas of voter participation, non violence approach to election and rejection of any illegality that may impede Electoral processes took place at various localities in Umunze, Ezira and Nawfija communities. 

Addressing journalists, the Programmes and Communications Manager, Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) and also the Programme Director Koyenum Immalah Foundation (KIF) Mr MacDonald Ekemezie, stated that the visit to Orumba south was to conduct Voter  enlightenment and education programme for voters  as part of voter education in respect of the November 8th Gubernatorial election in Anambra State. "Our aim is to sensitize the voters in Orumba South to be aware that their vote is their voice and power with a key message to avoid violence and not sell their vote. We encourage them to come out and vote for the choice of candidate without selling their votes and also inform them that their votes count. So, the essence is that they should avoid violence and ensure that they do not support any form of rigging or infractions during elections".

We have taken the messages to the halls, Ezira, Nawfija,  motor parks, Nkwo Umunze Markets, and we have engaged with INEC to ensure things are done the right way. 

Also speaking, A Civil Society Advocates for Peace, Dr Dennis Ekemezie described the voters' education as a goal in the right direction. "Although I am a participant in this voters enlightenment/ education programme, I want to thank INEC for getting the message down to the grassroot for voters awareness and CTA for championing it to the grassroot. I saw the cooperation from the drivers and passengers at the park as well as the market women who gave the listening ear. 

I want to thank the Programme Manager of , CTA, Mr MacDonald for taking the pains to move to the grassroot inspite of the security challenges. We are here in Umunze and I think it's peaceful because we enjoyed the collaboration from the people. I also thank the state government for being able to provide security in these areas, we are sure the election will be a success", he added.

Dr Ekemezie, however, informed that if your vote does not count, how then do the politicians buy your vote. "I encourage all registered voters to come out and vote so as to produce the rightful candidate that will pilot the affairs of the state". 

Adding, Chief Orientation and Mobilization Officer for National Orientation Agency (NOA) Orumba South, Mrs Pet Anake noted that the agency have been a driving force towards creating right values and morals in within the communities especially during this election period. "We used to go to communities to meet traditional rulers and community leaders where they help us engage in community sensitization at churches, markets and village squares about elections. We expect that after the enlightenment ,there will be a turn out of voters' participation rather than apathy. 

She called on registered voters in Orumba South to come out en mass and vote the candidate of their choice without being biased or allow themselves to be bought by politicians. 

Meanwhile, some of the participants who spoke to our reporter, Mr Ali Sunday - a keke driver and Mrs Chinyere Eze - a food seller at the market expressed satisfaction for the knowledge gained while assuring that they will take the message futher to the people to ensure a peaceful election come November 8, in  Anambra state.