The Nation Newspaper

Tag: PVC collection

  • Group organises town hall meetings on PVC collection in Lagos

    Ahead of next year’s general elections, a political group in Lagos State, the Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard, which is canvassing for 5 million votes for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, has said the governor deserves a second term to consolidate his achievements in the last three and a half years.

    It also urged eligible voters, who have not collected their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), to do so at designated collection points.

    The group, which is canvassing for 5 million votes for the governor, said he deserves a second term.

    The group spoke at a town hall meeting at Badagry and Ikeja divisions.

    Its Coordinator, Seyi Bamigbade, lauded the governor’s dedication to duty, developmental projects and desire to make the state a better place for all.

    He said: “Governor Ambode’s unimaginable performance and commendable zeal for developmental projects have been visible in every nook and cranny of the state, especially in Badagry Division.

    “In this division, you have all benefitted from the programmes and policies of the Ambode led-administration. This is why we must all support for his re-election so that he can continue to make our division and Lagos an enviable state.”

     

     

  • “Bureaucracy, red-tape, major reason for low rate of PVC collection in south west”

    Adekunle Osibogun, Lawyer and Founder, Adekunle Osibogun Foundation Mr Adekunle Osibogun, a British trained International Trade and Investment Lawyer, is the Founder of Adekunle Osibogun Foundation and Convener, Young Progressive Nigerian Initiatives (YPNI); In this interview, the Ijebu Ode born Constitutional Lawyer who recently led some group of youth volunteers on a tour of the eight Local Government Areas in Ogun East Senatorial District of Ogun State to sensitize the people on the needs to register to vote and collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) ahead of the 2019 General Elections, opined among other things, that red-tape is largely responsible for low rate of PVC collection in the South West States compared to States in the Northern Part of the country. Excerpts:

    Kindly share the experience you gathered during the recent PVC sensitisation campaign tour of the towns and villages in Ogun East Senatorial District, sponsored by your Foundation.

    I’ll say the experience was quite humbling; humbling in the sense that there is a high level of enthusiasm amongst the populace towards the upcoming 2019 General Elections, especially their interestto vote in the 2019 elections. We however observed that a lot of people are not aware of the important role the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) will play during the 2019 General Elections. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has indicated that the PVCs will play a key role in the upcoming election process, and this I believe is already being reflected in the allotments of the new Polling Units (PUs). I observed that the regions with the higher PVC collection rates were allotted a higher number of PUs. Consequently the South West region got the third least number of new PUs, behind the North Central where citizens have been displaced by the herdsmen crisis, the North East which has been ravaged by the Boko Haram, and the North West which has been notorious for underage registration and voting. Unfortunately, only a few of the populace in Ogun East Senatorial District have gotten their temporary voters cards, some of them have not even registered at all, while there is a large number of people who complained that they have either lost or damaged voter’s cards.We also observed that some eligible voters who relocated to Ogun State after the 2015 elections are anxious to transfer their registration to Ogun State, but lack information on the process. I’ll say that INEC still has a lot of work to do in Ogun State, particularly in Ogun East Senatorial District, because based on our survey, the amount of eligible voters who have not yet obtained their PVCs, which includes those that only have their temporary voter’s card, is very high and if we are looking to have successful General Elections in the Ogun State come 2019, it’s important that these people are also given not only the opportunity but also the encouragement to pick up their PVCs.

    From your interaction with the people, how will you describe the level of political education of the residents of Ogun state and how is the level of PVC collection in Ogun East Senatorial district?

    The residents of Ogun State are highly politically active, which is most evident in the vibrancy of the political campaigns in the State and the level of enlightenment amongst the populace. When it comes to political education, majority of the populace know their civic rights and duties, and are actively involved in the political process. However, when it comes to the level of PVC collection, especially in the Ogun East Senatorial District, it was my observation that the level of PVC collection varied from area to area. I observed that while some locations we surveyed had a high rate of PVC collection, other locations had a very low rate. Also, the densely populated areas reported a lower collection rate than the thinly populated areas. So for example, locations within the waterside area reported a higher collection rate than the Ijebu-Ode and Odogbolu areas of Ogun East Senatorial District. To address our findings, we have set up teams of volunteers to engage and encourage people to go to their local government offices and registration centres within the District to pick up their PVCs. We are also taking steps to set up a special team that will provide guidance for those who have either lost or damaged voter’s cards or intend to transfer their registration to the District.

    What do you think is responsible for the low collection in the southern part and higher collection in the northern part?

    I haven’t surveyed the northern part of Nigeria to know the reason for the high PVC collection rate there, but I can speak about the low PVC collection rate in the southern part of Nigeria. I will attribute the primary reason for the low PVC collection rates to bureaucracy and red-tape. We have citizens who wake up as early as 5am to go and queue at INEC offices, spend the whole day there and may still be unable to pick up their PVCs. Now, that is discouraging. For us to encourage ourselves to pick up our PVCs, which is a civic duty as we all know, it is important that we make the process a lot easier and more seamless. Without a shadow of doubt, there is a need for more registration machines, especially in Ogun East Senatorial District, where the registration machines are not sufficient. It is important that INEC intensifies efforts by increasing the number of registration machines in the South; investing more in awareness and sensitisation campaigns amongst the populace for those with lost or damaged voter’s cards or those seeking to transfer their registration; and by reducing the bureaucracies and red-tape prevalent in the PVCs collection process, especially in the southwest geopolitical zone which we know has a larger population than the collection rate being recorded so far. It is noteworthy that the bureaucracy in transferring registration within a state takes approximately ten months, regardless of if the transfer is within PUs in the same district or other districts, and the customer service can also be better. This is why my Foundation is focusing on providing guidance and support to help ease the stress that the average citizensare currently experiencingduring the process of registering and collectingtheir PVCs.

    From your experience do you think Nigerians are prepared for 2019 general elections?

    I’ll say Nigerians are better enlightened going into the 2019 General Elections than any of our previous elections, but their level of preparedness is low, becausemajority of the populace are yet to collect their PVCs.Based on the vibes coming from INEC, the PVCs will be the instrument that will qualify citizens to participate in the voting process for the 2019 General Elections. So, no matter how enlightenedyou are, no matter how passionateyou are, if we haven’t all gotten our PVCs then all our efforts will be in vain because we will all be unable to participate in the voting process, which defeats the purpose of democracy. So, while a lot is being invested into getting Nigerians to pick up their PVCs, each individual citizen must be determined to pick up their PVCs, towards making the 2019 General Elections a successful hitch free democratic election.

    From what you saw across the towns and villages of Ogun East Senatorial District, can you critically examine the economic social and material conditions of our people?

    In my opinion,Ogun East Senatorial District has been marginalized in the areas of economic investment and infrastructure development. This is evident in the decadent state of the District’s roads, lack of accessibility to quality and affordable healthcare and education, and poor electric and water systems, which has created a general apathy amongst the populace towards government. Unfortunately, due to the lack of political will to revisit the operation of our current federal structure, the State Government has been unable to increase its revenue base and hascontinuously muscled in on the revenue generating powers of the Local Governments, which is now becoming a redundant arm of government as a result of the State Government overbearing powers. So, while the Local Governments within the District lack the financial capacity to make any meaningfully impact in the lives of the people in the District, the State Government has its focus on other Districts within the State, all to the detriment of the people in the Ogun East Senatorial district. There is therefore a need for the State Government to pay special attention to the condition of the people in the District, because Ogun East Senatorial District is in my opinion the heartbeat of commercial activities in Ogun State.Yes, the capital is in Abeokuta, but when you look out for commercial activities in Ogun State, the Ogun East Senatorial District is where most of it happens.So it will be to the benefit of the State as a whole for there to be a special intervention from the State Government for the people in the District.

    Generally, are you satisfied with the preparation of INEC for 2019?

    I’ll give INEC a 50% pass mark for their efforts thus far and their strategy, especially on PVC collection nationwide, but they can do more.INEC can do more especially in the South-WestRegion because the level of PVCs collected in the South-West as a whole compared to the growing population of the South-West isvery low.It’s therefore urgent that INEC now pays special attention to the registration and collection of PVCs in the South-West to ensure the General Elections in the South-West Region are a true reflection of the hopes and aspirations of the people.

    What Is Your Position On The #NotTooYoungToRun Campaign?

    I strongly believe there is a need to transit from the old generation of politicians to a younger and more vibrant generation of political leaders, who understand the challenges of Nigerians in the 21st century and who are prepared to proffer lasting solutions,inspire their peers, and work tirelessly towards addressing these challenges. This, I believe is also the objective behind the #NotTooYoungToRun Campaign. Majority of our youths have lost faith in Nigeria because of the growing disconnect between their aspirations and those of our political elites. The discontentment of our youths with the political elite can be better expressed with reference to the surge in the numbers emigrating through our boarders in search of a better life. We have continued to lose our youths who voluntarily make the suicidal journey across the Sahara desert, others opt for the citizenship of foreign countries, while those who elect to stay have resigned to their faith or taken to crime or armed banditry. This is the current reality facing Nigerians. Our political elites have continuously failed to inspire our youths, so if our youths choose to be their own inspiration towards building a better country for future generations, we must support them.For Nigeria to develop, people with fresh ideas, innovation, drive and focus must be given the opportunity to govern, and I make bold to say that Nigeria will only transit from its current predicament if young reputable Nigerians take up the responsibility of governance.

    Any Political Aspiration For Adekunle Osibogun in 2019 General Elections?

    I am currently encouraging my peers to actively participate in the 2019 General Elections because it is my desire to see a large contingent of us occupying elective offices in 2019, so we can attempt to rescue our dear country from its current downward spiral.  I therefore intend to lead from the front by contesting in the 2019 General Elections. I know your next questions will be for what office? So let me save you the trouble by telling you that it will be an office I am best suited for based on my qualifications and experience, and where I will be better able to contribute to solving our current challenges and building a better Nigeria. But be rest assured that all will be revealed in due course.

    What is the driving force behind the Adekunke Osibogun Foundation?

    The Adekunle Osibogun Foundation is a private foundation that supports and inspires civic engagements and services in local communities, strengthen, promote, and where necessary protect the socio-economic rights of young Nigerians through intervention programmes in areas of education, entrepreneurship, leadership, citizenship awareness, agriculture, and youth empowerment. The origin of the foundation date back to 2009 when I met with other young patriots in Abuja to set up a platform to encourage and promote a sense of patriotism among Nigerians, which eventually birth the Young Progressive Nigerians Initiative (“YPNI”) for the benefit of our peers and local communities. After the establishment of YPNI, I was motivated to financially support my commitments to promoting patriotism amongst Nigerians and enhancing the quality of life of Nigerians through initiatives that promote national development, entrepreneurship and educational opportunities. Hence, the establishment of the Adekunle Osibogun Foundation! Through the years, I have supported and funded numerous intervention programmes of various non-governmental organisations, as they provide free skills acquisition trainings, mentorship and leadership programmes, entrepreneurship development programmes, and access to financial and legal advisory services for small and medium sized enterprises.

     

  • Lagos to mobilise residents for PVC collection

    Lagos State government has said it will mobilise residents for the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), to enable them vote next year.

    Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Civic Engagement, Adeyemi Olabinjo, who spoke at the briefing to mark the administration’s third anniversary, said residents should use the continuous voter registration to obtain PVCs.

    He said some recently attained voting age, and others relocated from within or outside the state.

    Olabinjo said: “On the issue of PVC, we are trying our best to ensure we achieve our aim. For instance, as a result of the development we are bringing to all parts of Lagos State, people are now relocating from one part of the state to the other. There is need to sensitise people in such category to apply for transfer of their PVCs.

    “We are aware that the governor recently inaugurated 21 roads and two bridges in Alimosho. Those who have undeveloped properties in the communities, living in Surulere and other areas, are now developing their properties and relocating to Alimosho.

    “As we speak, we are working to ensure that people in such category get transfer of their PVCs. Those who are yet to register should do so, for them to participate in the election.”

    The special adviser said Lagos had the highest uncollected PVCs.

    He hoped that the advocacy through his office will considerably reduce the figure.

    Olabinjo said: “We have been sensitising residents in our programmes that it is important for them to obtain their PVCs. We have all been saying that Governor Ambode is doing well. The only way to show appreciation to him is for residents to get their PVCs to re-elect him so that he will continue the good work.”

  • Group launches house-to-house campaign for PVC collection

    Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard, a group comprising social activists, non-governmental organisations, artisans, youths and political groups which has been canvassing for five million votes for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s re-election, has launched a House-to-House campaign in Amuwo Odofin and Surulere Local Government Areas to ensure eligible voters collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC).

    Mr. Joe Igbokwe, who spoke to newsmen at an event in Surulere, said nothing will change the five million votes targeted for the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in the next year’s election.

    Igbokwe said, apart from the performance of the governor in improving the infrastructure of the city, his handling of the state’s economy was another major reason why Lagosians must support him.

    He said Ambode would further transform the state to a mega city if given another chance.

    “In recognition of his hard work, we are going to come out in millions to support him once again through voting. Under his leadership, we have seen physical development across Lagos.”

    The Apex Chairman of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard, Segun Olulade said they were satisfied with the governor’s performance in office and would support him again.

    Olulade said: “As we speak, it is as if the good people of Lagos have collectively decided to keep the governor on the job beyond 2019. Simply put, it is because he has performed. All the people and groups endorsing him gave that same reason and we can all see his achievements speaking for him.”

    Coordinator-General of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vangaurd Seyi Bamigbade, said: “In all of his numerous achievements, which we can see and feel across the nooks and crannies of the state, Ambode has been stylish and meticulous in manner in the way he runs the affairs of the state. Even the opposition in the state has agreed that Ambode has delivered on his election promises. He promised to make Lagos work for everyone and he has done that for all to see.”

  • Lagos educationists mobilise for PVC collection

    EDUCATIONISTS yesterday said they were ready to mobilise for Lagois State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s second term in office.

    Speaking under the aegis of Association for Formidable Educational Development, which comprises low-cost private schools, its president,  Mrs Ifejola Dada, said the group had the capacity to mobilise for Ambode’s continuity in office.

    Mrs. Dada Ifejola said this while receiving the Coordinator of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard, Mr. Seyi Bamigbade, at Mushin local government, in Lagos, where her group and 57 other co-ordinators were integrated into the a larger Governor Ambode’s group known as Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard.

    Dada said her organisation which includes parents, pupils above 18 years old, teaching and non-teaching Staff of Lagos State Chapter, has join forces with Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard to mobilise for the ongoing P.V.C registration.

    “We acknowledge the Governor for his sustenance efforts on education developments, quality child education and youth empowerment in the state, which is why we are calling on all parents and all our staff to integrate up to one million memberships to register for the ongoing P.V.C registration.” She said.

    Bamigbade said the integration of the Formidable Group will serve to accomplish targeted votes for Ambode in the next year’s election.

    He called on INEC Lagos State chapter to move the registration close to the grassroots for easy registrations.

    He thanked council chairmen and groups for their endorsement of Ambode’s continuity, while also advising them to pay more attention to the ongoing PVC registration.

     

  • Foundation sensitises residents on PVC collection

    A non-profit group, the Adekunle Osibogun Foundation (AOF), has begun sensitising residents of Ogun State on the need to register and collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC).

    This, it said, is to eliminate political apathy and instead encourage citizens to participate in the 2019 elections.

    A statement by its founder, Adekunle Osibogun, said the campaign is to engage the citizens on the need to be more active in the electoral processes.

    The statement said a review of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) statistics of PVCs’ collected in Ogun State before the March 28, 2015 election, and the recent statistics, showed that there was still a large number of uncollected PVCs, while the number of newly-registered voters was not a true reflection of the state’s voting population.

    According to Osibogun, investigation conducted by his foundation showed that despite improved efforts by INEC to ensure more voters are registered before the 2019, there was a need to improve the reproduction rate of lost PVCs and also simplify the process of transferring PVCs.

    He added that the self-imposed political apathy embraced by youths will not solve national challenges or improve governance in the state; it will rather continue to stunt the state’s development.

    Osibogun urged Nigerians to join the campaign for PVC collection, and support INEC’s initiatives towards successful elections in 2019.