2023 General Elections: Hope Givers Initiative oraganizes town hall meeting in Mgbakwu

By Covenant Oluchi Ikedinobi, Awka

Ahead of the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organization, Hope Givers Initiative has sensitized the Mgbakwu community, Awka North local government area of Anambra state in a town hall meeting on how to vote wisely.

This Town Hall meeting was duly sponsored by Christian Aid, Nigeria.

The Program Manager of Hope Givers Initiative Miss Emmanuela Obika addressed the community on the importance of inclusive participation during the election.

In the era where the citizens are saddled with the mindset that their votes don’t count, Miss Obika cleared the air that if the vote of the people doesn’t count, there won’t be vote buying at the pooling unit.
She, therefore, emphasized the authenticity of voting right, adding that one’s vote is very paramount in a democratic process.

Following the new technology of voting, the state Deputy Director of the National Orientation Agency, Anambra State, Mr. Joseph Uchendu trained the citizens on the usage of the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) voting machine which will aid the smooth flow and accuracy of the people’s votes as it is now legitimized.

He further addressed the issue of double voting some citizens are fond of doing which made their voting null, and void.

He practically displayed how to vote and also what leads to null and void votes.

As part of the functions of the National Orientation Agency, the assistant director of Awka North Mrs Oluchi Obianor encouraged the people on the need to remit their old naira notes to the bank before 31st January.

She further enlightened them on the differences between the new naira notes and old naira notes.

Present also at the town hall meeting were Hon. Peace Ebelechukwu Chine, who’s the candidate of the Accord party for the House of Representative election for Awka North and South Federal constituency.

Hon Chine harped on the importance of being intentional in their choice of candidates, as they should vote for competence with a track record.

She further pleaded with the youths of the state to get their PVC as that is the only language and equipment needed to put the right candidates in power.