Hon. SOB Agunbiade, Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Ikorodu constituency 1 hosted the 8th annual constituency stakeholders meeting in Ikorodu precinct one.
Prioritising increasing the number of dwellers to possess the permanent voters’ card (PVC), projecting towards the 2023 general elections, the meeting was held at Lagos state university of science and technology (formerly LASPOTECH) on the 30th of June 2022.
With delegates from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the ground at the jam-packed 700 seaters of the institution, stakeholders were engaged and also allowed to lay complaints on difficulties attached to registering and collecting their voters’ cards.
The stakeholders meeting targeted at grassroots development is simultaneously held in all 40 constituencies of Lagos state.
In a welcome address, Bldr. Adeola Adebisi Banjo, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA acknowledged that Ikorodu constituency 1 has a lot of testimonials that indicate the dividends of democracy, which is enough reason for all eligible voters to acquire their PVC.
Banjo, stated that for the people to witness more infrastructural expansion in the community, the franchise to decide the right government plays a role in further strengthening the fabric of the territory.
He continued, “While we witness development in several parts of Ikorodu division from this present administration, it is only the tip of the iceberg, considering what we’ll gain having our preference of government right at the top”.
Banjo expanded that in Ikorodu North, he’s working to ensure voters’ registration and collection of PVC are enhanced, thus, creating a more improved relationship with INEC.
However, Hon. Agunbiade, who explained that the general elections for the next democratic dispensation would be held from February 2023, illustrated the need to begin exercises to assure it is triumphant at all levels.
According to Agunbiade, The imperatives of the Permanent Voters’ Card as mentioned in the theme are hinged on the need to ensure that voters are eligible to exercise their civic responsibility.
Agunbiade proceeded, “It is paramount we engage in active participation in the general elections especially in ensuring that we vote for the right, trustworthy, competent candidates by our leaders and representatives at all levels of government”.
“Of course, the need for this cannot be over-emphasized as a very important civic duty and a critical key to ensuring the sustenance of our transformative government and enduring democracy in the State and the Nation”.
“From 1999 in the 4th Republic with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu not just emerging as the Governor of Lagos State, but revered as the architect of modern-day Lagos”.
“All these were made possible due to citizens actively voting at elections to choose the right candidates, Supported by committed and patriotic legislators in the State House of Assembly over the years, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu initiated remarkable and detailed policies and reforms that were successfully implemented and built upon by worthy, credible and competent Successors that were freely elected by the people, and who continued to transform the State beyond imagination from Governors, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and our current dynamic and pragmatic Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu”.
“Not exercising our rights during the election will create an opportunity for incompetent persons to be elected as our leaders and representatives and thus overturn our achievements”. Agunbiade asserted
The meeting subsequently gave room for rubbing minds between INEC officials and stakeholders (during its Q/A session) with a dialogue (after concerns were put forward from CDAs, Student Union, and Market women association) on enhancing the process of registration and collection of PVC across the precinct.
Further contributions were given by HRM, Oba Olukayode David Raji, Eweye Of Isiu and HRM, Oba Engr. Bashir Aremu Shotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, advising constituents to take their future to the next level by getting actively involved with the electoral process.
“You saw me carry out an exercise trying to see how many people already registered and acquired PVC”.
“You cannot vote with your slip; you must get your PVC, that is the essence,” Agunbiade further surmised
Meanwhile, The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the ongoing continuous voter registration indefinitely.
The exercise was initially scheduled to end on June 30.
INEC National Electoral Commissioner and Chairman (Information and Voter Education Committee), Festus Okoye, announced in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, all Resident Electoral Commissioners and electoral officers have been directed to continue with the exercise pending further directives from the commission.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had granted an order of interim injunction stopping INEC from ending voter registration on June 30, 2022.
Other notable guests at the meeting include; Shiek Yahaya Oshoala Samadani represented by Albdulquadri Mustapha, Chief Imam S.A.A Oloworibi represented by Alhaji Imam Musbaudin Mustapha, Imam Musa Olakunle Eniyaoba (Ikorodu North LCDA) and Imam Mustapha Aridegba Kosoko (Ikorodu West LCDA).
