INEC Vows to End Voter Apathy as Akwa Ibom REC Sensitises Stakeholders in Eket

INEC Vows to End Voter Apathy as Akwa Ibom REC Sensitises Stakeholders in Eket
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The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ending voter apathy across the state through sustained grassroots sensitization.
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Prof. Onuoha made this known during a stakeholders’ sensitization meeting held at the Chairman’s Lodge in Eket Local Government Area.

INEC Resident Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha

Addressing stakeholders, he urged all eligible residents of Eket to take advantage of the two-week extension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by mobilising massively and registering to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
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He stressed that INEC would intensify sensitization campaigns across the local government areas to encourage greater participation in the electoral process and reduce voter apathy.
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The REC also appreciated the people and stakeholders of Eket for their warm reception and impressive turnout at the engagement.

Chairman Eket Local Government Area, Mkpisong Akaniyene Tommey

In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Mkpisong Akaniyene Tommey, commended the INEC delegation for bringing the sensitization exercise to the grassroots. He urged stakeholders to use the extension period to sensitise all eligible residents and indigenes of Eket who are 18 years and above to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.
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Also speaking, the Chairman of the State Sensitization Committee and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, charged stakeholders to be proactive in mobilising eligible voters for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong

He urged them to view the exercise as a community responsibility rather than a political activity.
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“As critical stakeholders in our communities, it is your responsibility to encourage all eligible residents and indigenes to register. Let us not see this as a political affair but as a community responsibility that will promote development in the future,” he said.
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Archibong thanked the INEC delegation for visiting Eket, expressing confidence that the sensitization exercise would further boost voter registration within the remaining two weeks.
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In the same vein, former INEC Commissioner, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, commended the Commission for its proactive approach to voter education across the state.

Former INEC Resident Commissioner, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak

He thanked Prof. Onuoha and his team for the visit and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts toward eliminating voter apathy in Eket.
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“As a former INEC Commissioner, I understand the importance of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise. Beyond electing leaders, voter registration offers other benefits that will positively impact our communities,” he said.

Rt. Hon. David Lawrence, Former House of Assembly member

In their separate remarks, Dr. David Lawrence, Chief Aniekan Akpan, and other stakeholders pledged to embark on extensive sensitization campaigns across the wards and villages of Eket Local Government Area.

Former Chairman of Eket Local Government and Chieftain of APC, Chief Aniekan Akpan

During the interactive session, Dr. Tommy Enodien sought clarification on the online registration process, sighting some difficulties during the process.

Dr. Tommy Enodien contributing to the discussion 

Responding, the Head of ICT, Mr. Ezeoha Cosmos, explained that the online registration portal would become fully operational within the week and encouraged eligible voters to utilise the opportunity to register.

INEC Head of ICT in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Ezeoha Cosmos

Delivering the vote of thanks, Elder Paul Bassey commended the INEC team led by the Akwa Ibom State REC, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, for organising the sensitization engagement in Eket.
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He called on stakeholders, irrespective of political affiliation, to work together towards achieving a higher voter registration turnout across the local government area.

Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey

The sensitization meeting was attended by the Acting Administrative Secretary of INEC, Barr. Oghene Vincent; Electoral Officer for Eket, Mr. Emeka Anwadike; Head of Legal, Barrister Emeka Owabie; Head of ICT, Mr. Ezeoha Cosmos; among other stakeholders.