The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, has called on all residents of Kogi East senatorial district to willingly come out and participate in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR)

The deputy governor also ordered all political appointees of the Gov Ahmed Usman Ododo administration to join him in rallying party supporters to lead the CVR exercise in the zone.

Comrade Salifu urged all citizens aged 18 and above to view exercising their right to own a voter’s card as both a civic duty and a personal right.

A statement by Unubi Emmanuel, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, confirmed that the deputy governor spoke on Sunday during a stakeholders’ meeting at his residence in Ejule, where he described the rate of mobilisation by state government appointees in support of the exercise as low.

“He lamented the lukewarm attitude of some elected and appointed officials at both the state and national levels, describing their lack of involvement as unfortunate.

“He urged Igala sons and daughters to return home and help increase voter registration figures in Kogi East. The voters registration exercise has numerous benefits beyond the power to vote your choice candidate, it is a means of identity. The card in your hand gives you access to so many things, including access to government empowerment schemes.

“The deputy governor commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for giving Kogi State a positive image through impactful initiatives that have attracted philanthropic support to Ofu Local Government. He stressed that office holders must also contribute to strengthening the party and support government efforts.

“He further tasked councillors and ward leaders to ensure that each ward in Ofu local government mobilises at least 5,000 new registrants, emphasising that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to give the APC a strategic advantage,” Emmanuel said

In his opening remarks, the Ofu APC Divisional Chairman, Hon. Shagari Yahaya, said the meeting was convened to mobilise citizens for the CVR, an initiative championed by Hon. David Onuche Excel in support of the party and Governor Ododo’s administration.

Hon. Excel, in his remarks, lauded the governor and his deputy for their commendable work in the state. He stated his support was not motivated by political ambition but by a sincere desire to supplement government efforts and secure APC’s success in future elections. He further committed to launching public projects across Ofu LGA for the benefit of the community.

On his part, the Executive Chairman of Ofu Local Government, Hon. Mohammed Lawal Musa, thanked Hon. Excel for his generosity despite not being a politician. He urged the people not to be misled by opposition parties, reminding them of the mistakes of 2023.

Also speaking, the DG Kogi Community Watch and Ancillary Matters, Hon. Muhammed Nasiru Alfa, described Hon. Excel’s gesture as the first of its kind and commendable. He urged councilors and ward leaders to intensify efforts to mobilise more people for the voter registration exercise.