EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: INEC HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS FORUM TO SOLICIT SUPPORT FOR CVR EXERCISE

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Edo State, Sam Olumekun mni organised a one-day stakeholders forum on the forthcoming Continuous Voters Registration Exercise holding from 22nd – 26th June, 2016.

The occasion which took place at National Orientation Agency Hall, Benin City attracted Chairmen and Secretaries of 23 Registered Political Parties in the state, the Commissioner of Police and other members of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), Civil Societies Organisations (SCO), Women Organisations. Others were Muslim and Christian Religious Groups such as FOMWAN, JDPC, CAN and PFN.

The gathering is to update participants on INEC’s programmes and activities put in place before the forthcoming Governorship election slated for September 10, 2016. The REC solicited the support of the participants and other stakeholders in achieving free, fair and credible Governorship Election come September 10, 2016. He said the Commission is committed to hitch-free, transparent CVR and through effective use of men and technology. He urged political parties to play by the rule and avoid foul and provocative languages during campaigns.

Mr. Sam Olumekun gave a number of activities that have been lined up which include;

Continuous Voter Registration Exercise.

Conduct of party primary.
Collection of Nomination forms, submission by Political parties.
Publication of official voters Register.
Distribution of PVCs and CVR exercises are scheduled for Wednesday 22nd – 26th June 2016 and all issues concerning Inter/Intra transfers will close on Monday 27th June, 2016.

In the keynote address by the National Commissioner, Dr. M. Mustapha Lecky represented by Engr. Emmanuel T. Akem, Director, Voters Registry urged the people of Edo State to cooperate with INEC and conduct themselves in orderly manner. He further stressed that the CVR is only for those who have just turned 18 years and for those who registered in the last exercise but their names were missing in the electronic voter register. 

He emphasised that the collection of old PVCs is not by proxy.
He advised that the Edo people should ensure that the September 10, 2016 election is devoid of violence and thuggery.

The National Headquarters delegated the Directors of Voters Registry, Voter Education and Publicity and Information and Communication Technology to collaborate on the relevance of their departments to the success of CVR exercise and distribution of the printed permanent voter cards (PVCs) numbering over 490,000

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, who is also the chairman of ICCESS came with his members from the Immigration, NSCDC, Prisons, DSS and host of others. He advised the political parties to engage the voters meaningfully and to ensure they get registered during the CVR exercise given proper notices for provision of security before the parties’ congresses and primaries.
There was presentation of the underlisted lectures;

Campaign finances by Shittu Bala – Director, Election and Political Party Monitoring.
Technological Innovation in INEC: Status and way forward by Chidi Nwafor – Director, ICT represented by Mrs. Abimola Oladunjoye.

Voter Education by Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, Director Voter Education and Publicity.
Modalities for planned Continuous Voter Registration Exercise by Engr. E.T. Akem, presented by Mrs. Rukoyat Bello.

The State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Umunnah, represented by Mrs. Grace Eseka led the National Prayers and gave a goodwill message on the collaboration of their agency with INEC.

There was room for interactive session and responses to issues raised regarding the forthcoming distribution of PVCs and CVR in the state, provision of accurate DDCM machines, Voter Education (NOA), provision of security and transfers.

Attendance at the stakeholders forum cover all spheres of the society including; CSOs, Media, Political Parties, Religious Bodies, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Security Agencies, SICVEC, Market men/women and Traditional leaders.

The administrative Secretary, Oscar-Lee Amaechi, KSM represented by HOD GAP, Rafiu O. Odunaye gave the voter of thanks expressing appreciation collectively to participants, presenters of papers/lectures, security agencies.

The stakeholders forum came to close with the REC inviting participants and others to join in the 18LGAs stakeholders forum that will take place during the week to suggest and make positive contributions to the success of CVR exercise. He thanked all for making out time to come and interact with INEC.