CLO Chairman Urges Citizens To Be Alive To Civic Responsibilities As He Marks Birthday; Calls For Active Participation In Voters Registration

Human rights activist, social critic, and Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Anambra State Branch, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme AMBP-UN, has called on Nigerians to be vigilant and proactive in discharging their civic responsibilities as the only path to realizing “the Nigeria of our dreams, hopes, and aspirations.”

Ezekwueme made the call on Tuesday during a birthday felicitation visit by a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the CLO secretariat in Awka. He stressed that the 2027 general election presents a critical opportunity for citizens to elect “overarching, benevolent, and servant leaders” who will prioritize public good over personal gain.

Quoting the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, he said: “We are murderers the moment we see evil and fail to speak against it.” He urged all Nigerians to reject silence in the face of injustice and to stand firmly for what is right, fair, just, and credible.

“This is the time to make our good better and our better, best. We must all do things right if we are to build a just and prosperous society,” he stated.

Describing the occasion as a moment of prayer for an end to insecurity and the senseless killings across the country, Ezekwueme renewed his unwavering commitment to the ideals of truth, integrity, justice, patriotism, and selfless service.

He made a direct appeal to Anambra indigenes, residents of the Southeast, and Nigerians at large to participate actively in the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and Voters Revalidation Exercise scheduled to commence next week.

“Civil Society Organisations, faith-based groups, traditional rulers, town unions, and market leaders must come out of their shell and mobilize citizens to take part in the electoral process. It remains the only legitimate means to enthrone God-fearing and selfless leaders,” he emphasized.

Appeal to Government on Illegal Levies

Ezekwueme also appealed to the Anambra State Governor to ensure strict enforcement of his directive banning the collection of levies from petty traders, truck and cart pushers, and hawkers — a directive he said is still being breached in several parts of the state.

He further condemned the illegal and outrageous “development levies” being imposed by some elders and youths on land and property developers, noting that such practices scare away investors and retard economic growth in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Comrade Peter Oke described Comrade Ezekwueme as “indefatigable, patriotic, selfless, and courageous” for consistently sacrificing his personal comfort to defend the rights and welfare of others.

“May God grant you more grace, wisdom, good health, and strength as you continue to serve God, humanity, and the cause of justice, peace, truth, good governance, and human dignity in Anambra State and Nigeria at large,” Oke prayed.

The CLO reaffirmed its commitment to holding leaders accountable and mobilizing citizens for active democratic participation.