By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, Anambra State Branch, has called on Governor Charles Soludo and other South East governors to roll out a region-wide campaign to boost voter participation ahead of upcoming elections.
In a press statement issued in Awka, the group proposed an initiative tagged “Operation Show Your Voter’s Card” to be implemented across markets, schools, ministries, government offices, and religious institutions to counter widespread apathy and disengagement from the electoral process in the region.
CLO Chairman, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, and Secretary, Comrade Vincent Udeh, said the call became necessary after their sensitization tour revealed many citizens vowing to boycott future polls over dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2023 Presidential Election.
“It is pathetic and despicable that good people are choosing to sit back while politics determines every aspect of our socio-economic, religious, and cultural life. IIf we don’t take interest in politics, politics will take interest in us.”
The group lamented that the South East has the lowest number of registered voters among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with less than 20% voter turnout recorded in most elections.
It urged political, religious, traditional, and civil society leaders to embark on aggressive sensitization to reverse the trend.
CLO also appealed to the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, to make voter registration and card collection less stressful and to address bureaucratic delays.
It further called for the creation of additional polling units and electoral wards to accommodate residents in new estates and layouts.
While commending the Justice, Development and Peace/Caritas, JDPC, Archdiocese of Onitsha, led by Rev. Fr. Dr. Edwin Udoye, for its mobilization efforts, CLO said other faith-based organizations should emulate the model.
“Docile followers produce docile leaders. We must vote, defend our votes, and hold leaders accountable. The usefulness of a vote depends on the voter. Use it wisely to help eradicate corruption and bad governance.”
Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
