Olubadan lauds INEC over extension of PVC collection
•Seadogs Take PVC Sensitisation To Markets, Streets
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for extending by one week, the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) by eligible Nigerians, imploring Nigerians yet to collect theirs to take advantage of the extension.
INEC, which had earlier given January 22, 2023 as the deadline for the collection of PVCs, announced a one-week extension with January 29 as the new deadline.
Balogun, according to a press statement by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, spoke in his Alarere residence, while hosting the new Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Rahmon Tella Adeniran.
The monarch said that the decision to extend the collection of PVCs is a welcome development and in the best interest of Nigerians.
He said: “I want to commend INEC for the great job its officers are doing. Whoever witnessed ‘Operation Wet e’ during the First Republic and the horrendous reactions that trailed the 1983 General Election, especially in this part of the country, would appreciate the activities of INEC since 1999 when this experience began.
“It is a known fact that each election since 1999 has been an improvement compared to the previous ones. I want to charge INEC to ensure the one being looked forward to in a couple of weeks’ time is also better than what we had in 2019.”
It is gratifying to note that Nigerians are coming to terms with the ideals of democracy and it behooves on all of us, stakeholders, to ensure that we contribute towards efforts to deepen the system.
“On our part in the traditional institution, I promise to reach out to all our people, through members of the advisory council, the mogajis, and baales towards sensitising them on the importance of PVC collection and its usage when the time comes.
“I implore INEC and its staff too to do their bits and with our combined efforts, Nigeria would surely come out better and greater after the elections,” Olubadan stated.
Similarly, members of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) alias Pyrates Confraternity, yesterday, took the Get Your PVC Campaign to Aguda markets and streets and its environ in the Surulere area of Lagos.
The group led by Capoon, NAS, Lagos Mainland Chapter, Nnamdi Agulonu, said that it became necessary to make the call to emphasise the importance of the election to the future of Nigeria.
The group also visited a collection centre, Enitan Primary School, Aguda, Surulere, on a fact-finding mission based on complaints received.
Speaking on the campaign, Agulonu said: “The intent of our campaign is to sensitise the people on the importance of collecting their PVCs, ensuring that they vote, and making sure that their votes count. Collecting the PVC is every citizen’s civic responsibility, just as voting is a civic responsibility. So, we are calling on the people not to just sit at home, or stay back and complain. They should come out, collect their PVCs and ensure they vote in the kind of leaders that will give them the kind of leadership they seek.”
Speaking on INEC’s response to complaints on difficulties faced by the electorate in getting their PVCs, he said: “From the interaction we had with INEC officials on ground, they assured us that each complaint brought by the electorate is being escalated to Abuja.
Advising Nigerians on who they should vote for, he said: “Experience in Nigeria has taught us that we must look for leaders that are honest to the cause and yearnings of the people. Not just politicians that come to give us empty promises. Gone are the days of empty promises, where politicians will come to tell us many things, but get into offices to do whatever they want.
“We are hoping that Nigerians this time will vote for credible leadership. Vote for leaders that have the interests of the people at heart, not just leaders that are there for their own personal gains and benefits. Nigerians should vote for leaders that are committed to the cause called Nigeria, so as to move this country forward in all ramifications.”
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