Refocus On PVC Collection, Akawor Charges GDI, Eleme People …As Fubara Warns Against Falling Prey To Scammers

Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Rivers State, Amb Desmond Akawor, has urged the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) to continue with the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) sensitisation programme, but this time around, focus on collection of PVCs.
Speaking while ushering the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, to the podium to address the people of Eleme during the GDI PVC sensitisation programme held at Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogale, last Sunday, Akawor said that going forward, everybody would be required to show their PVCs.
Akawor thanked GDI for carrying out the programme but appealed to members of the group to continue to enlighten the people on the need to keep their PVC safe.
He expressed delight that Eleme was not only activated but totally connected to the Sim network.
Akawor, who is also the Rivers State PDP chairman, lauded the people of Eleme for turning out massively for the occasion, describing Eleme as the most lucrative LGA in Nigeria with the best seaport, fertiliser plant and a petrochemical industry.
Commenting on the massive crowd, Akawor said, “Are these human beings from Eleme, or are they imported from Port Harcourt or Akwa Ibom? I couldn’t believe that a local government with 10 wards can mobilise this large crowd”.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, reminded them that as the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ends today, according to the calendar set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), those who have not collected their PVCs should endeavour to collect them.
“The PVC is important. It is going to be your instrument to decide what happens come, March, 2023. You have registered, but ensure you retrieve every single PVC, and ensure they are kept safe”.
While sounding a note of warning to the people not to play into the hands of anyone who would demand for their PVCs for purposes of empowerment, Fubara said the PVC is not only for election but also serves as a form of identification.
Fubara charged the people of Eleme not to play into the hands of scammers who may disguise themselves as people who have come to support them.
He stated that they may come with the spurious notion of asking the people to bring their PVCs so they can be given empowerment: “Don’t listen to them”, he advised.
“Some of you don’t have driver’s license, some of you don’t have international passport. The PVC is your own identity”.
He commended the people of Eleme for the awareness and the massive registration to get their PVCs which has made the sensitisation rally simple and colourful.
In the same breadth, he applauded the people of Ward 10 for their impressive performance during the ward-by-ward rally at the mini-stadium.
In his remarks, President General of GDI, Hon. Bright Amaewhule, revealed that from the recent available records, the GDI family has the highest number of eligible voters in Eleme, adding that what happens in the LGA in the 2023 elections would be determined by that fact.
Amaewhule quickly admonished the people to be vigilant because wicked and crooked people can connive with INEC and agents of darkness to continue the exercise secretly in their houses.
To this end, he charged the people to monitor the activities of INEC and their collaborators, and report promptly to appropriate authorities, when found wanting.
He added that GDI members cannot be intimidated because they are ready and willing to resist all forms of manipulations no matter who is involved.
Earlier, the Eleme Local Government Council Chairman, Hon Obarilormate Ollor, in his welcome address, had said the message of the exercise was simply about preparing in time for the 2023 elections.
He lauded GDI members for their passionate service drive as a pressure group and consistency with the electoral process as it pertains to the PVC sensitisation rally.
Among those present at the event which featured colourful displays by GDI members from the 10 wards in the area, members of the National Assembly, PDP stalwarts and stakeholders.
Others in Fubara’s entourage at the event were the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate in Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Ordu; Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Amb. Desmond Akawor; the Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Edison Ehie; the Majority Leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Amaewhule; the Deputy Chief Whip, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Major Jack; Hon Marcus Inengi; and Hon Felix Nwike.
The rest were chairmen of local government councils: Ikwerre, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike; Obio/Akpor, Barrister George Ariolu; Asari-Toru, Hon. Onengiyeofori George; Port Harcourt City, Sir Allwell Ihunda; Akuku-Toru, Hon. Rowland Sekibo; Abua/Odual, Hon. Daniel O. Daniel; Andoni, Barrister Erastus Awortu; Emohua, Dr Chidi Lloyd; Degema, and Hon. Michael John Williams; amongst other prominent government officials and chieftains of the party.

By: Nelson Chukwudi