2023: Group intensifies call against voter, election apathy _ by Chukwuebuka C. Oguocha

A group made up of nongovernmental organizations, Hope Givers Initiative (HOG-I) and Civil Rights Concern (CRC), in Anambra state has called for an end to voter and election apathy in the country.

The group, working as consortium, joined numerous organizations across the country who are behind the drive to get millions of compatriots to exercise their civic responsibilities.

The group, sponsored by Christian Aid Nigeria is comprised of the coordinator who is also the programme manager of HOG-I, Mrs Emmanuela Obika, and mainly youths from different communities in Awka.

The People with disabilities (PWD) where also in attendance. They set into the streets of Awka to sensitize the people on the need and importance of obtaining their voters card, as a first step towards being eligible to exercise their franchise in 2023 election.

It should be recalled that over the years, there had been accumulated apathy on the side of supposed voters to register for voters card, not to talk of participating in the electoral processes.

A good number of citizens that are of voting age had exhibited nonchalant attitude towards exercising their franchise which is constitutional.

Again, there is unfortunate perception of “cooked election results,” a phenomenon that led to many leaders not being the legitimate product of elections. It had been a source of discouragement for millions of Nigerians not to participate in electoral processes.

The impetus for the unprecedented awareness creation for PVC by some none governmental organizations, such as HOG-I and CRC is triggered by the failure of political leaders to deliver the dividends of democracy since the return of democracy in 1991; hence the reason to take back the country.

In a brief interview session, one of the persons with disabilities, Anderson Onyeka, noted that the campaign for PVC acquisition is a positive approach towards letting the people know that the PVC is the power they need to make a better choice by voting in that person that will initiate good governance.

He said active participation in the election will create a favorable condition, thereby, saving the populace from the yoke of elongated adversity that had made the country an unbearable place to dwell; as every sector suffers different forms of crises to the detriment of the innocent citizens.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Hope Givers Initiative (HOG-I), Mrs. Onyeka Udegbunam; and Executive Director Civil Right Concern (CRC), Mr Okey Onyeka expressed gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of the exercise.

They urged participants to keep the spirit on, by educating people when ever they had the opportunity, as it’s time for positive transformation of the country.