Voter’s Registration: EARCOM flags off sensitization & enlightenment exercise in Ibeno
By Mfonobong Ukpong
……………………..The Chairman, Ethical and Attitudinal Re-Orientation Commission, EARCOM, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Mrs Dorothy Thompson has advised Ibeno women who did not participate during the last Voter’s registration exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to avail themselves of the ongoing Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC registration which is currently being carried out at the wards level in order for them to exercise their civic rights in the next round of elections coming up in 2019.
Dr. Thompson gave the advice on Wednesday in Ibeno while addressing the women of the area during a sensitization visit. Speaking on the importance of ‘massive Voter’s registration, the EARCOM boss who urged the women to go out and register enmasse, remarked that that it was pertinent for them to embrace the ongoing Voter’s registration exercise in order for the local government area to boost its voting strength which she said was poor judging from the last election.
“The Voting strength in an area could plays a crucial role in influencing government’s attention to that area. In the last election, the voting strength of Ibeno was so poor, and we an improvement on that. The government has mandated us to carry out this sensitization and enlightenment exercise.”
She lauded those who have already gotten their PVC, and asked them to guard it jealously and keep them safe for the 2019 election. The EARCOM Chairman who was accompanied on the sensitization campaign by other board members and management staff of the commission, cautioned the women against giving out their PVC’s to strange persons who would want to deceive them into handling their voters’ Card under any guise. She also advised them against selling the Voter’s card.
Dr. Thompson, a lawyer by profession, also educated the women in the area of moral upbringing of their children.
A board member in the commission, Dr. Mrs. Ime Thompson Udo, also mounted sensitization on the need for the women to embrace the free education programme of the State government by sending their children to school. She also advised mothers against encouraging indecent dressing amongst their female children and also spoke against abuse and placing of curses on children by parents.
Endorsing the sensitization and enlightenment campaign embarked upon by the Ethical and Attitudinal Re-Orientation Commission, the Chairman of the local government council, Mr. Ifum Henry Udoh, (represented by the Leader of the local government legislature) the wife of the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno, Obong anwan Thereza Effiong Achianga, and the Wife of the Council helmsman, Lady Ethel Ifum Henry Udoh in their separate speeches thanked the Chairman and management of EARCOM for deeming it necessary to visit Ibeno for the sensitization and enlightenment exercise. They assured of the readiness to embrace the ongoing Voter’s registration exercise in the area, and also briefed the commission Chairman on some of the challenges they were facing.
Members of the EARCOM board in attendance during the sensitization campaign include, Mr. Victor Udofia, Mr. Nsikak Nyong, Dr. Mrs. Ime Thompson and Mr. Michael Isang.
Amongst Management staff present at the Ulokulok Hall, venue of the event was a Director, Mrs. Margaret Edem who also took time to explain some points to the women. She is now a Permanent Secretary, having been elevated by the government
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