Insecurity, Economic Hardships and Uncollected PVCs will affect elections-Prof. Olagoke

The actual population of displaced Nigerians is still unknown. These bonafide citizens were displaced majorly by violent crimes and economic hardships. The suggestion is that the uncollected Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) belong to the displaced Nigerians. In this piece, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu OlagokeJP warns that the unending insecurity, economic hardships and the large number of uncollected PVCs will impact negatively on the 202 general elections. Excerpts: Nigerians are apathetic to matters relating to the collection of their Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) to be able to be eligible to vote in the 2023 general elections because of the perceived disturbing state of the nation. For example, the high prices of consumables and essential commodities coupled with the prohibitive prices of petroleum products has made life unbearable for millions of Nigerians. The result is the hunger, poverty and high unemployment rate in the country. Indeed, the organized attacks on the Independent National Electoral Commission's(INEC)offices across the country by the enemies of the state has not helped matters. The terrible state of security in the South East is also an issue. Nigerians in this part of the country live daily in fear. However, it is wrong for Nigerians to continue to cry over bad governance and the poor conditions of living without working to rekindle their hopes for a real change which the 2023 general elections may bring about, by producing the right leader who will not only transform the nation, but also carry out major reforms. There is therefore, the need for the uncollected PVCs to be claimed to ensure that eligible voters are involved in the electoral process because this is one of the ways we can fix Nigeria. The collection of the PVCs will ensure that Nigerians participate in the electoral process because if we fail to choose a credible leader, a random person will lead us. Therefore, we must all realize that the power of electing candidates of choice depends on the collection of the PVCs by the electorate. The failure to collect the PVCs will negatively affect the coming elections. Efforts should be geared towards encouraging Nigerians to collect their PVCs, by making the collection process easier than the process of registration. The INEC must also improve its communication strategy to ensure that all eligible voters are adequately informed on the need for them to exercise their voting rights.
Solomon Adewunmi is the Editor-in-Chief of New Federation (news2day.emyspot.com), People(2day.emyspot.com) and Federationewsday(one.emyspot.com) He attended Ajeromi Ifelodun High School, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos and the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos. He possesses - * BBC/EC CERTIFICATE IN NEWS JOURNALISM (FEB. 2001) * CERTIFICATE IN ARTS AND CULTURE CRITICISM (NANTAP MAY 2001) * CERTIFICATE IN PEACE JOURNALISM (JUSTICE, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE COMMISSION) *CERTIFICATE IN CONFLICT ANALYSIS[UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMME, OCT.2004] *CERTIFICATE IN INTERFAITH CONFLICT RESOLUTION( UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE, JAN. 2009).

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