Oba Regent, Others call for Extension of Voters Registration, welcome Bishop Nwokolo

By Uzo Ugwunze

The Regent of Oba in Idemili South, Anambra State, Prince Noel Ezenwa (Ezeamaalu Oba) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) registration exercise which ended July 31, 2022.

Prince Ezenwa made the call during the Episcopal visit by the Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo and Dr. Mrs Elsie Nwokolo for Confirmation and Admission in Oba parishes at St Paul’s Anglican Church,Oba

According to Ezenwa, extension of the voters registration exercise was necessary given the large number of people who were yet to register for the PVC or transfer to their choice of polling unit despite concerted efforts and self denials.

“I believe it is common sensical that such large number of people are not disenfranchised. It is their right to express their God’s given desire to take part in the process of the governing of this country.

“It is most important that Government prevails on INEC to extend the voters registration exercise being terminated today by at least another one month,” said Ezenwa.

Earlier in his welcome address, Prince Ezenwa commended Bishop Nwokolo and his wife for purposeful leadership that has resulted to noticeable growth of the church in the diocese and Oba in particular.

Ezenwa urged the prelate and his wife to use their good office towards propelling Anglican Girls Secondary School,Oba to greater heights as the alma mater of the Bishop’s wife.

“We must be our brothers keepers during this austere period of our nation. Those currently not in school can be adopted as teachers in lower institutions not affected by the strike in the country,” Ezenwa said.

Moreover, the former Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly and President, Men’s Christian Fellowship, Diocese on the Niger, Rt Hon. Sir Emeka Anyaenetu urged the electoral body to listen to the voice of the masses by extending the voters registration exercise to enable more people get their PVC.

“Gone are the days when people show apathy towards voting because of the election malpractice that often characterized elections conducted in this country but with the introduction of BVAS or electronic transmitted voting. People have the consciousness that there vote will count this time and many people want to get it right by voting wisely,” he said.

Also, former Idemili South Local Government Chairman, Hon Sir Edwin Egbobe said Although voter registration exercise has been extended twice but another extension was necessary until everyone legible and willing to participate in elections gets registered

“The pressure is there because of what is happening in Nigeria today. Those who were not interested in participating in elections are now interested and ready to vote the candidates of their choice for good governance”, said Egbobe

Highlights of the Episcopal visit include Confirmation of about 800 children, admission of about 300 women into Mothers Union and about 100 youths into Girls Guild who were tasked to be true disciples ofn Jesus Christ.