Voter Card Is Your Power, Nwifuru’s Aide Tells Ebonyi Citizens

By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s Aide,who is the Senior Special Assistant to the governor and the Director General Ebonyi State Infrastructural Maintenance Agency, EBIMA Comrade Ben Nwovu, has urged residents of Abakaliki Local Government Area and its environs to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise by ensuring they obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ahead of the next election cycle.

Comrade Nwovu made the call while interacting with newsmen in Abakaliki over the weekend, stressing that the voter’s card remains the only weapon citizens can use to enthrone credible leadership and strengthen democracy in the country. He noted that voter apathy, particularly the failure of eligible citizens to register or collect their PVCs, has been one of the major factors undermining the electoral process. According to him, the situation gives room for unqualified leaders to emerge, thereby slowing down development at both state and national levels.

“Democracy thrives only when the people participate actively. It is not enough to complain about bad governance; the real power lies in the voter’s card. That is why I am appealing to everyone who has attained the voting age to go and register, and for those who have registered already, please collect your PVCs. Without it, you cannot make your voice heard at the ballot box,” Nwovu stated. He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rolling out measures aimed at making the registration and collection process seamless, adding that the commission deserves the cooperation of all stakeholders to succeed. The governor’s aide further emphasized that the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru is committed to deepening democracy in Ebonyi State by encouraging civic responsibility and political participation, particularly among the youth and rural dwellers. Nwovu who is Board of Trustees Chairman, Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum called on traditional rulers, community leaders, religious bodies, and civil society organizations to join the sensitization campaign to ensure no eligible voter is left behind. He maintained that broad participation in elections is the only way to guarantee that governance reflects the will of the people.