Awka, Anambra State – The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has called on Gov. Charles Soludo and other South East Governors to declare “Operation Show Your Voter’s Card” across markets, schools, ministries, and government establishments, as well as religious leaders to do likewise.
The initiative is aimed at encouraging and motivating citizens for active participation in the electoral process, in view of the widespread voter apathy, indifference and nonchalant attitude observed across the region.
It is pathetic and despicable that during our sensitization and mobilization exercise, many citizens vowed never to participate in future elections due to displeasure over the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.
CLO reminds citizens that “if we don’t take interest in politics, politics will take interest in us.” It is game of numbers in which minority will have their say, whereas majority will have their way. Politics determines the socio-economic, religious, and cultural life of every nation.
This position is contained in a press statement issued to newsmen in Awka, Anambra State, and endorsed by Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme (AMBP-UN), Chairman, and Comrade Vincent Udeh. The statement is themed: “Let Us Collectively Right the Wrongs of Society.”
The statement 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% of registered voters cast their votes.
This ugly and unacceptable situation can be changed if political, religious, civil society organizations, market, traditional, and town union leaders embark on aggressive sensitization, mobilization, 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 actualized with your voter’s card. One of the seven blunders of the world is “right without responsibility.” It is your right and responsibility to contribute towards enthronement of good leaders.
It is of prime importance to note that docile followers precipitate docile leaders. Hence, we must vote, defend our votes, and hold our leaders accountable.
CLO calls on every eligible prospective voter to spare no effort in obtaining their voter’s card.
CLO also appeals to the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, to ensure peaceful, less stressful, and prompt registration and issuance of voter’s cards, and to tackle the bureaucratic challenges faced by registrants. As are commence processes to creates additional polling units and Electoral Wards in state to accommodate residents of new estates and layouts in the state.
We commend Justice, Development and Peace/Caritas (JDPC) Archdiocese of Onitsha led by Rev. Fr. Dr. Edwin Udoye for their impressive, aggressive sensitization exercise that yields positive results. It is of great relevance for other faith-based organizations to emulate them in order to positively change this despicable narrative. Be it as it may, apathy, indifference, nonchalant attitude and undernourishment of democracy is a threat to democracy and democratic culture. Pertinently, usefulness of a vote depend on the voter, use your phone wisely to help eradicate corruption and bad governance CLO posited.
