By Oyem Jonathan
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, has convened a stakeholders’ meeting with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive.
Pastor Chukwunwike pledged continued support to INEC through logistics and sustained enlightenment campaigns across all wards in Aniocha South, emphasizing the importance of collective action in empowering eligible citizens to participate in the democratic process.
He stressed that the power to shape the future of communities and the nation lies in the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). He particularly urged youths and first-time voters to seize the opportunity of the ongoing registration exercise.
“Every PVC is more than just a card. It is the voice of the people, the strength of democracy, and the key to responsive leadership. We must not take this exercise lightly. Our participation today will shape the destiny of tomorrow,” he said.
“Now is the time for collective action. The exercise before us is not the sole responsibility of INEC or the council, but a shared duty to empower every eligible citizen to participate in the democratic process. By standing together, supporting the registration, and encouraging massive participation, we secure a brighter future for our communities and for Nigeria,” Pastor Chukwunwike declared.
Sir Norbert Akachukwu Sochukwudinma, APC Chairman, Aniocha South, charged political parties and stakeholders to return home and sensitize their people. He pledged to lead sensitization efforts across all wards to create awareness and educate residents on the importance of obtaining their PVCs, stressing that through strategic collaboration, the exercise would yield significant results.
During the interactive session, Hon. Dr. Patrick Chukwueloke Onyekanankea , Dr. Felix C Nwaokolo , Princess Pat Okaka Awolo, Hon. George Mordi, and the Obi of Ubulu-Unor, HRM Kikachukwu Afamefune, JP (speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers’ Council), highlighted challenges such as INEC’s nonchalance, inadequate motivation for staff, and the high cost of transportation to registration centres, especially in remote villages.
Other stakeholders, including Hon. Collins Iwebunor, also urged INEC to step up efforts to ensure inclusivity and efficiency.
For his part ,INEC Electoral Officer for Aniocha South, Mr. Ugwu Hillary Nkemdi, alongside other officials, outlined the objectives of the registration process:
The meeting aimed to foster synergy and mobilize eligible voters ahead of forthcoming elections.
The gathering, held at the Ogwashi-Uku Event Centre, brought together community leaders, political stakeholders, religious organizations, a delegation of non-indigenous residents, traditional rulers, youth and women groups, market representatives, civil society actors, and opinion leaders from across Aniocha South.
The event was attended by Notable personalities including Sir Norbert Akachukwu Sochukwudinma, APC Chairman, Aniocha South; Hon. Chief Barr. Nath Igbadi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure and Investment; Hon. Emmanuel Sorokwu , former Council Chairman and SSA to the Governor; Hon. Collins Iwebunor, Executive Director, ICT, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service, and Hon Leonard Nzemeke , Leader of the Legislative Arm.
Others are Chief (Ambassador) Mayor Enujeko, SSA to the Governor and former National Youth Council President; Chief Fred Mordi, APC State Treasurer and
Chief Nwaoyor.
Also at the event are the Aniocha South CAN Chairman, Rev. Canon Christian Okonkwo; Chief Asika Onwordi; Chief Augustus Onowu El Bethel; Hon. Joe Modeme; Mr. Nduka Okocha; Chief Abu Ndekwu; Dr. Felix Nwaokolo; Mrs. Victoria Okoh; Hon. Jude Igwebueze and Chief Clement Ukwadinamor.
Security chiefs present were ACP Akpan Daniel Okon, Police Area Commander Ogwashi-Uku; CSP Okoyomon Israel, DPO Ogwashi-Uku; CSP Ande Joshua, DPO Nsukwa; Capt. Desmond Kwujeli (NSCDC); H. E. Onyekwere and M. J. E. Ojogbo (Immigration); and Mrs. Nkiru Okeke, DSS boss, Aniocha South.
Among the traditional rulers present are HRM Obi Godwin Nzemeke, Obi of Ejeme Uno Kingdom; HRM Obi Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu, Obi of Ubulu-Unor; HRM Obi Godwin Onyeweuwa, Obi of Ewulu Kingdom; HRM Obi Anthony Ogboli, Obi of Ejeme Aniogor and HRM Obi Solomon Ezechinyelugo, Obi of Ashama, and HRM Obi Austen Ezeagwuna, Obi of Egbudu Akah.
Also in attendance are the councilors, Supervisory Councilors, political appointees, market women and Comrade Obioma Miracle representing the Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Students Union Government, led by Comrade Thomas God’swill.
