Ahead of the 2023 general election in Nigeria, women under the aegis of Opobo Women Welfare Association (OWWA), last weekend, took the sensitisation for registration and collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to more Opobo communities.
The communities where OWWA the campaign to include, Kalama, Iloma, Oloma, Epellema, Ekeregborokiri, Queens Town, Kalasunju, Kalaibiama and Opobo Town, among others.
At the communities, the group urged residents to ensure that they register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in order to participate in the electoral process next year.
Addressing a mammoth crowd during the drive in Opobo Town, President of the group, Felicia Stephen Pepple, admonished Nigerians, particularlyeligible voters to go out and get their PVCs now that the opportunity is calling on everybody, no matter their tribe, creed, religion or political divide, noting that “without the PVC, you donot have the right to choose leaders come 2023,” because your vote must count.
Saying that, “no PVC, no vote,”Pepple explained that apart from election matters, the PVC was required to serve multi-dimensional purposes, especially banking transactions, children school enrollment and others, noting that failureto obtain their card could either make or mar their future.
“Without your Permanent Voters Card (PVC),you have no power to either vote or to be voted for,” she said, stressing that it has become imperative for the people to be enlightened on the need to register and collect their voters’ cards to avoid, “had I known, which comes at last.
“Your PVC matters alot now, therefore, you need to go out and get it. Never transfer your card to anyone no matter the relationship between you and that person. Avoid dual registration as your card will be annulled except on transfer from a unit to another of your choice. Endeavour to do so in your own interest”,Pepple declared.
The group also visited churches, schools and markets in the area, where the leader enjoined students and teachers to shun the temptation of standing aloof, and disenfranchising themselves, and blaming others for the election of weak leaders at the end of every election.
At the markets and churches, the group announced to traders and congregants, to ensure that the exercise did not pass them by and work assiduously to be eligible to vote during the 2023 elections, because, according to OWWA, their votes could make a difference in determining who occupies the elective positions at the executive and legislative leaderships in the state and at the national level.
The events, spurred the group into action,as thousands of women embarked on ralliesand road walks, singing and dancing all the way from Kalama axis to ancient city of Opobo.
The group leader appealed to leaders in other adjoining communities around the city to make sure that their subjects who are 18 years and above, including students and the less privileged in the society, get registered with INEC for their PVCs immediately.

By: Bethel Toby