By Edifon ABASI-OBOT
Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Political, Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Barrister Ekong Sampson, has reiterated Government’s call on eligible voters in the State to get registered and obtain their voter cards in the ongoing 2nd Phase of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in thecountry. This, he stressed, isthe basisfor citizens’ participation, which is fundamental to democracy.
Barrister Sampson made the call while undertaking an on-the-spot assessment of response of citizens from the area to the Continuous Voter Registration and National Identity Management Scheme in Okobo LGA.Healso called on Akwa Ibom people to endeavour to be captured in the national database and be assigned a National Identity Number (NIN) and subsequently the National ID Card.
The Special Adviser who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in his Bureau, Mr. Nse Edem, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects Monitoring, Ulap Joseph Bassey and some Directors in the Bureau, said it was important to move around, obtain first-hand information, assess level of compliance and report back to appropriate quarters, hence the visit to Okobo.
He described voter’s registration as a very important exercise, for the nation, the state and for democracy. He said Governor Udom Emmanuel is a democrat and wishes that everyeligible Akwa Ibom person has a voter’s card. Accordingly, the State Government remainscommitted to seeing that Akwa Ibom people participate maximally in the exercise, get registered, get their voter cards and participate in the democratic process, he added.
According to Barrister Sampson, the success of democracy depends on the success of the registration exercise. “It is not just enough for us to wish democracy succeeds, we have to take very active part to drive the process and the best way to drive the process is to have your voter’s card”, he stated.
In his words, “we have gone round a number of LGAs and we are still going round to see for ourselves, drive the process, encourage our people to come out, assess the level of response and make recommendations and ultimately ensure that this exercise succeeds”, Ekong Sampson said.
The Special Adviser also urged Akwa Ibom people to get enrolled in the National Identity Management System (NIMS) and obtain a National Identity Number, describing the two exercises as important drivers for national planning. He further explained that planning is key in governance and the government can only plan based on what has been captured in its database.
He described Okobo as a very strategic LGA in the State and a very important component of the Akwa Ibom project. He commended the Transition Committee Chairman, Mr. Ubuo E. Ubuo and enjoined the political class and other stakeholders to contribute maximally towards the exercise by mobilizing the people to get registered.
Barrister Sampson said Okobo is blessed with renowned personalities who have understanding of democracy and capacity to drive the process to succeed, not just in Okobo, but in the Akwa Ibom State.
The Chairman of Okobo Local Government Transition Committee, Mr. Ubuo E. Ubuo, lauded the level of interest demonstrated by the State Government in the two exercises, describing as a confirmation of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s commitment to the success of democracy in Akwa Ibom State.
Mr. Ubuo described the response of Okobo people to the Continuous Voter Registration asencouraging. He said the coordinating committee for the exercise in the area, led by Elder Victor Amba and comprising of a representative each from the 10 wards in the LGA has been working together with his Transition Committee to mobilize for the exercise and assisting some very distant communities, some of which may need to be ferried to and fro the center.
The Council Chairman also commended the Deputy Speaker of AKHA, Princess Felicia Bassey, former Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Peter Linus Umoh and other Stakeholders from Okobo LGA for being very supportive in the exercise.
The International President of Esu Nlap Oro and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring, Ulap Joseph Okon Bassey, re-echoing the importance of the exercise, assured that efforts will be intensified to mobilize youths and women in the area to participate in the exercise.
The Special Adviser, on behalf of the Bureau, donated publicity materials to the Transition Chairman to enhance sensitization of Okobo people on the exercises.
