Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in Bauchi state on Saturday embarked on a campaign rally to sensitise the residents of the state on the need to register, votes and protect their votes.
The sensitisation exercise which was organised by One Voice Nigeria in collaboration with Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) was participated in by 15 CSOs, representatives of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Physically Challenged Association in Bauchi state.
The rally which was held in Bauchi metropolis started from Ahmadu Bello way to Kobi street and Wunti roundabout with the CSO’s carrying placards that read, Register, Select, Vote, Protect, My Voice, My Vote, One Voice Nigeria among others.
Speaking with Journalists, Secretary General of Bauchi State Network of Civil Society Organisations (BASNEC), Comrade Sadiq Yusuf, called on the residents to follow due process and register with relevant authorities to enable them cast their votes during the forthcoming general election.
He informed them that it’s their constitutional right to be register and come out enmasse to vote for the candidate of their choice during the election, noting “we have the right to make our choice during the election by voting for people who have integrity to deliver to citizens of Nigeria and we can only do that if we obtain voters card and exercise our franchise during the polls,” he said.
Also speaking, the Senior Programmer Office of CITAD, Isa Garba said the aim of the exercise was to sensitise the public on the need to register, vote on election day, protect their votes as well as how to report their grievances in a positive ways to relevant authorities.
He said, “we want to educate the general public on when and where to register and get voters cars as well as how to resolve problems of loss of voters’ cards and relocation issues.â€
In his address, the acting Public Affairs Office of INEC in Bauchi state, Is’haq Hamza said the continuous voters’ registration was in compliance with section (10) of the electoral act 2010 as amended as it becomes imperative to continue with the registration of eligible voters.
According to him “Section 13 of the Electoral Act also provides for transfer of voters registration for those that have relocated to other places from where they register to their present location to enable them exercise their franchise.
Hamza called on any citizen who is yet to register to use the opportunity and register as well as ensure that their OVCs are securely kept to enable them vote during the election.
