The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) has called on South-East governors to commence aggressive sensitisation on enlightening their citizens on the importance of obtaining the Permanent Voters Card.
The Chairman of CLO in Anambra State, Vincent Ezekwueme, told newsmen on Thursday in Enugu, that the initiative is aimed at motivating citizens for active participation in the electoral process.
Key Highlights:
- The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) urged South-East governors to intensify campaigns encouraging citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
- CLO said the move is needed to address voter apathy and low electoral participation in the region.
- It lamented that the South-East records some of the lowest voter registration and turnout rates in Nigeria.
- The group warned that political disengagement weakens citizens’ influence in governance and decision-making.
- CLO called on civil society, traditional leaders, and religious groups to support voter education and mobilisation efforts.
According to Ezekwueme, this is necessary in view of the widespread voter apathy, indifference and nonchalant attitude observed across the region.
He noted that it was pathetic that during CLO sensitisation and mobilisation, many citizens vowed never to participate in future elections due to displeasure over the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.
CLO reminded that “if we don’t take interest in politics, politics will take interest in us. It is a game of numbers in which minority will have their say, whereas majority will have their way.
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“Politics determines the socio-economic, religious, and cultural life of every nation,” he said.
The chairman lamented that the reason “why we are governed as fools is because good people sit back and do nothing.
“It is unfortunate that among the six geopolitical zones in the country, the South-East has the lowest number of registered voters.
“In every periodic election, less than 20 per cent of registered voters cast their votes.
“This ugly and unacceptable situation can be changed if political, religious, civil society organizations, market and traditional leaders embark on aggressive sensitization and education of citizens on the inevitable need for active participation in the electoral process.
“It is of prime importance to note that only legitimate means to enthrone overarching, benevolent servant leaders is participatory democracy which voter registration is fundamental and foundation.
“When good people are in power, the people rejoice. This can only be actualised with your voter’s card,” he noted
The CLO boss stressed that it is the right and responsibility of citizens to contribute towards enthronement of good leaders.
He noted that docile followers precipitate docile leaders; hence, citizens must vote, defend their votes, and hold leaders accountable.
CLO called on every eligible prospective voter to spare no effort in obtaining their voter’s card.
