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Tag: registration

  • ‘INEC still probing Bello’s double registration’

    ‘INEC still probing Bello’s double registration’

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not stopped investigations into alleged double registration against Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi State Prof. James Apam, spoke at an interactive session with reporters and Civil Society Organisations yesterday.

    He explained that issuing a new Voters’ Card to the governor was based on advice from the commission’s Legal Department.

    Bello, he said, applied for the transfer of his details from Abuja to Okene, and it was acted upon.

    He reiterated that the development does not mean INEC will discontinue with the probe.

    “The fact that there is an allegation against the governor does not take away his right to demand a transfer. When his application was brought to INEC, it was subjected to legal advice and the application was approved, but the allegation of double registration is still hanging on him.”

    The commission, last year, accused Bello of double registration.

    Two INEC workers were later dismissed and a senior officer retired.

    Prof. Apam said 176,868 people have been registered since the exercise in April 2017, adding that 57,148 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) were distributed and 202,289 unclaimed.

  • Is continuous registration of voters on course?

    Is continuous registration of voters on course?

    Stakeholders have been assessing the on-going continuous voters’ registration, ahead next year’s general elections. How is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) grappling with the challenges? MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE asks.

    Though the 2019 general elections is about one year away, preparations for the contest are already creating excitements across the country. This was perhaps fuelled by the early release of the election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the change in the order of the elections by the National Assembly.

    In this regard, INEC commenced the Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR) exercise April last year, to accommodate those who did not register earlier and those that have just turned 18. Towards the end of last year, there were speculations that the exercise would be terminated by January 31. But, INEC made it clear that the exercise would continue until 60 days before the general elections.

    The commission has been advising eligible voters to go to its offices in all local government headquarters and other officially-designated areas across the country between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, to get registered.

    But, many prospective voters from across the country have been complaining about the exercise. For instance, they say INEC appears to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people turning out for the exercise.  The commission has come under the hammer for not being able to provide adequate staff with the prerequisite training to carry out the exercise. Some people have complained that some of the ad hoc staff conducting the exercise displayed incompetence in the conduct of the task they were recruited to perform.

    In some cases, the machines appear to be slow, making it difficult to register many potential voters. The situation has resulted in the loss of productive hours, given that those who want to participate spend longer time than necessary at registration centres.

    Besides, the commission has been accused of not providing adequate information to prospective voters about the procedure of applying for change of polling units by people that have moved away from where they registered. As a result, such persons do not know how they can transfer of their polling units to their new abode.

    People have equally complained that some INEC officials have been demanding for gratification from people before they get registered. Observers say middlemen who are not even INEC staff have been taking advantage of the ignorance or the frustration of eligible voters — particularly those want to obtain the card for purposes of identification — by extorting money from them.

    The Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Sam Olumekun, said the commission would sanction any erring staff that collects money from the people before registering them. He said INEC would not compromise standard in the conduct of 2019 election.

    Olumekun urged members of the public to report anyone who demands gratification from them to the authorities. He said the fraud was not done by INEC staff alone, but outsiders who collude with them, by turning the exercise into a private business.

    He said: “The commission’s problem in the on-going voters’ registration exercise is extortion. Reports have reached us that some people are being asked to pay some money before they are registered.

    “I must say any staff caught demanding for any form of gratification will be dealt with according to the law. Nobody is supposed to give any dime to anybody before he or she can be registered. The public should watch out and report anybody who falls within the category.”

    The REC said no fewer than 55 registration centres exist Lagos and that INEC headquarters recently deployed additional 30 new machines to address the challenges arising on-going registration exercise.

    He added: “The chairman was actively involved and ensured that new machines were provided for us in Lagos State. Let me assure you that within the last few days when these machines arrived, we are able to register an average of 2,500 voters every day.

    “On this note, I want to assure the people of Lagos that we are not resting on our oars and we implore them to come out to register for coming election. There was this damaging rumour that by January 31, INEC was going to stop the exercise; let me use this forum to tell Lagosians that the exercise continues until further notice.  And for the avoidance of doubt this exercise continues certainly till December 2018.”

    Olumekun cautioned against multiple registrations, noting that people found it more convenient to register afresh each time the opportunity throws itself. He said many of those that have changed their location prefer to register afresh, instead of obtaining the necessary forms at the local government to transfer the registration centre to their new abode.

    He said: “That will result in multiple registrations and it is not acceptable. We implore those who have registered in the past not to come back for fresh registration. What they should do is to confirm their status on our website.

    “I will to call on Nigerians who registered between 2011 and 2015 to check the status of their registration with their phones in the comfort of the homes through the INEC website provided for the verification.”

    An Assistant Director, NOA, Yaba, Lagos, Mrs Abiodun Shittu, who addressed members of Yaba community during the flag off of the exercise, said the agency would ensure that the public were given the necessary information to make them participate.

    She said: “That is why we brought people who can speak the local dialects of the people to enable them appreciate the importance of the exercise. The agency will move from ward to ward within the Yaba council area to enlighten them on the importance of the exercise.

    “We have a responsibility to inform the people and I am very confident that the NOA will not default as far its mandate to the people is concerned. I must say that the turnout today is an indication that awareness is now high side.”

    The founder and National Chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, said the idea of restricting the registration centres to INEC offices in local government headquarters is not the very best. He said in most cases, council headquarters are far away from wards and communities where the bulk of the people live.

    Okorie added: “So, it is discouraging for people to move from their areas of residence to council headquarters for the exercise. The people are held down, because of the prevailing economic condition. My suggestion has always been that the registration exercise should be brought closer to the people at the ward levels.

    “Again, the sensitization exercise should be a daily affair; it is equally the responsibility of other stakeholders to be involved in the exercise. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) should see this as its major assignment for now. If all these things are done and INEC do not implement the electronic voting, we may not get the full benefit of improved voter registration exercise.”

    The founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) said Nigerians would appreciate the continuous voters’ registration more when they are able to vote electronically. He said: “If you have voters’ registration without voters’ participation the purpose would be defeated. It is only electronic voting system people can be assured that their votes will count. That is the only way many people can leave the comfort of their homes to queue up and vote, knowing that it will count.”

    The commission has also been under severe criticisms, following the circulation of footages of underage voters in Kano State in the socio media. INEC had explained that it was on top of the situation. It said it would get to the root of the matter and that anybody found culpable would face the law. INEC chairman, Prof. Mamood Yakubu, said the commission had set up a committee to investigate the allegation.

    A former National Commissioner of INEC, Prof. Lai Olurode, said he was almost killed, when he tried to prevent under age voters some years back. The commissioner’s statement supported the allegation being raised against the commission that element not qualified to vote were in INEC database.

    The Afenifere Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, said the success of the exercise depends on the will power to correct the mistakes of the past. He said: “It is clear from what has happened in Kano that we do not have credible voters register at the moment. A situation where children of five years are having PVC all over the place is a pointer to buttress what had been said in 2015.

    “When Prof. Attahiru Jega was distributing voters cards, whereas he was busy distributing PVC to individual in the southern part of the country. In the North, PVCs were given to emirs in bulk and they distributed the cards to the people, irrespective of whether they were qualified to have it or not.

    “We have heard that Prof. Oluyede was almost killed, for preventing underage voting in a section of the country. Where we are right now, it means INEC has to clean up the voters registration exercise. If the nation is one country, there cannot be different voting age for people in different parts of the country. If we have agreed that voting age is 18, then it must be 18 in all parts of the country. To restore confidence in the process, INEC has to clean up the voters register to ensure that only those who attained 18 make the list.

    “As for those who have not registered, community leaders, traditional rulers, church leaders and pastors and Imams have to mobilise their members and people to participate in the exercise. They should have their PVC, because it will be useful one day.”

  • Senate to probe Bello’s ‘double registration’

    Senate to probe Bello’s ‘double registration’

    The Senate yesterday resolved to investigate allegations of double registration levelled against Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

    The resolution followed an observation by Senator Mohammed Hassan (Yobe South).

    Hassan said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed the allegation at a news conference. But it was reported that Bello could not be prosecuted because of his immunity, he added.

    He prayed the Senate to look into the matter.

    “There is this story going round regarding the governor of Kogi State. It was reported recently that he was involved in double registration.

    “Some days or weeks after, INEC addressed a news conference where it confirmed the allegation and sacked three of its workers.

    “Now, we are concerned again; it was reported that Bello had been issued another voters’ card from another ward. We are concerned about this, and I think it is very important that the Senate Committee on INEC investigates the matter.

    “It was reported that he cannot be prosecuted because he has immunity, but for the purpose of getting this picture right, I think the Senate Committee on INEC should investigate this and get this matter right.”

    Senate President Bukola Saraki described the allegation as important and directed the Committee on INEC to look into the matter.

    “The issue you’re talking about is important because the stability of our democracy depends on the credibility of our electoral processes.

    “And as such, we must ensure that the processes are always what we can be proud of, especially now that countries all over are looking up to us.

    “I am happy that the Chairman of INEC is here. It is something he could look into and come back to tell us where the issue is.”

  • Council chief urges participation in voter registration

    Council chief urges participation in voter registration

    The Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, Valentine Buraimoh, has urged residents within the voting ages to get their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) during the current voter registration.

    At a meeting of the local government’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Lake View Estate, party faithful gathered to plan ahead for next year’s general elections, especially for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to get a second term.

    Buraimoh urged party stakeholders and other faithful to participate fully in the voter registration.

    The council chief said this would enable the ruling party to have overwhelming support for its candidates.

    He urged party faithful to see themselves as one family.

    Buraimoh said: “Let’s endeavour to register and get our PVCs. I appeal to you: we can only defeat our opponents with our cards. The PVC is your power.”

  • CAC to close manual registration

    CAC to close manual registration

    The Acting Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Azuka Azinge has said  the commission is currently working on closing manual registration in all its remaining locations nationwide.

    A statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs Godfrey Ike, the  Acting Registrar-General spoke during a two-day strategic management planning retreat in Keffi Nassarwa State. He said this is to extend online services across the country.

    Azinge said:  “This is repositioning the commission towards organisational excellence which of course is top priority of this administration.

    “The retreat was aimed at charting a new course for the Commission. It has become imperative to enable management brainstorm and arrive at a decision that would provide a clear sense of direction for managing the affairs of the Commission.

    “It will also enable management align the specifics of its actions and decisions with clearly defined priority targets. It will also strategise on how best management could navigate and remain relevant in the face of global competitiveness and other

    “The Federal Government had very high expectations from the Commission being a star agency driving the ease of doing business agenda, all hands should be on deck.

  • Furore over registration, licensing of IT contractors

    Furore over registration, licensing of IT contractors

    Two groups, the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), are at loggerheads over the registration and licensing of Information Technology (IT) contractors. LUCAS AJANAKU writes on what the development portends to the industry.

    On assumption of office as Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami promised to work tirelessly to realise the  mandates of the agency, which was formed on April 18, 2001, but formally got its legal teeth through the NITDA Act of 2007.

    In his inuaugural address to workers, Dr Pantami said: “NITDA, as you all know, is a very strategic agency. It is one of the most knowledge-based government institutions that requires a harmonious blend of knowledge and creativity.

    Section 6 of the enabling law establishing the NITDA and the Nigeria Outsourcing Policy and Institutional Framework for Nigeria (Paragraph 3.3) clearly encapsulates the general thrust of the objectives and functions of the agency. To paraphrase Section 6, the law empowers the agency to plan, develop, co-ordinate and monitor all matters relating to IT practices, activities and systems in Nigeria.

    This is further reinforced in the National Outsourcing Policy and Institutional Framework for Nigeria, which provides that: “The overall policy objective is the promotion of an enabling institutional, legal, regulatory, technological and infrastructural environment for the sustainable development of the outsourcing sector in Nigeria.”

    Perhaps pursuant to his desire to work his talk, he raised the alarm over the failure of Information Technology (IT) projects in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). He lamented that 95 per cent of IT projects’ security in the MDAs is compromised.

    Pantami said part of the measures would be the licensing of all IT contractors and service providers for the purposes of procurements, public private partnerships (PPP) and other forms of engagements.

    Pantami said: “The management of NITDA would like to bring to the attention of all IT contractors, MDAs, other government establishments, the organised private sector (OPS) and the general public that it has put measures in place to register and license all IT contractors and service providers for the purposes of procurements, PPPs and other forms of engagement with government establishments and private sector.

    “The Agency is dismayed at the raising number of failing IT projects within Federal MDAs and other government establishments. NITDA’s investigations revealed that over 90 per cent of IT projects in MDAs and other government establishments failed and more than 95 per cent of their security is compromised.

    “In order to curtail this and in line with the Agency’s mandate and the recent Presidential Executive Order 005 for Planning and Execution of Projects, Promotion of Nigerian Content in Contracts and Science, Engineering and Technology, as mandated by President Muhammadu Buhari, the registration and licensing of IT contractors and service providers have become expedient.”

    He continued:”The process aims at ensuring the emergence of robust indigenous IT service providers and contractors, guaranteeing the delivery of sustainable IT projects as well as engendering professionalism in the IT service industry.

    “The process will also ensure that IT projects in MDAs will only be executed by indigenous companies where in-country capacity exists. As part of the process, NITDA will monitor and ensure the capacity development of Nigerians employed by IT contractors and other service providers.

    “Furthermore, the Agency will, in conjunction with relevant agencies, investigate any project that has failed to determine the root cause of the failure and apply sanctions where necessary or to refer such cases to other relevant authorities.

    “All firms desirous of providing IT services and contracts to Federal MDAs and other government establishments are advised to initiate the registration process with immediate effect. Guidelines on the registration process can be accessed by visiting NITDA’s website.   Alternatively, an applicantion can be written to the agency in order to initiate the process.

    He added:”Interested entities should note that only NITDA registered firms and companies will be recognised as having capabilities for the provision of IT services to Federal MDAs and other government establishments. All MDAs and other government establishments are advised to consult NITDA before any IT firm is engaged for the purpose of providing IT related services.”

    Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) kicked against Pantami’s move to register and licence IT contractors in the country.

    Its President, Adesola Aderounmu said it is not part of NITDA’s mandate because as the name suggests the agency is to plan, promote and develop regulatory framework and guidelines as stated in NITDA Act 2007, Section 6a.

    “The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) Act 49 of 1993 is saddled with the mandate to register, license, supervise and control the profession as stated in CPN Act Section 1 (2).”

    Prof Aderounmu warned that the NITDA’s policy statement was capable of confusing the general public to create an uncoordinated approach to policy issues and both Acts of Parliament as stated earlier. NCS, he said, believes that NITDA’s mandate is to ensure seamless cooperation and interaction towards the use of IT as a development tool for the country.

    The NCS commended the approach and wisdom of the Presidential Executive Order 005 Buhari, which emphasises professionalism.  “The Public Procurement Act 2007 with particular reference to Section 19 if properly implemented will promote best practices professionally. “On a related note the CPN Act Section 22, states that failure to engage professional practitioners is an offence in Nigeria punishable under the Act.

    “We, therefore, advise NITDA in our advocacy capacity not to embark on registering and licensing of IT contractors and service providers (Registered IT professionals) activities and instead concentrate on developmental issues, which we believe can be jointly achieved collaboratively. CPN is the only agency with the mandate to register and license IT professionals and contractors in Nigeria.

    NITDA has said it will go ahead with the registration and licensing of contractors, saying several indigenous contractors and service providers have commenced the process of registration with NITDA, adding that the agency appreciates all those that have initiated the process. “It clearly shows their commitment to the growth and development of the IT sector,” NITDA said.

    While it said NCS was correct that the Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria as a council has the mandate to control and supervise the (Computing) profession as provided by Section 1(2) of the Computer Professionals (Registration council of Nigeria) Act, it argued that the registration of IT contractors and service providers by NITDA is in line with its mandate as specifically stated in Section 6 (a,f) NITDA Act 2007.

    It argued further that the section mandates it to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardisation, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of IT practices, activities and systems in Nigeria. It is also to render advisory services on all IT matters to the public and private sectors.

    “Therefore, it is within the regulatory and developmental role of the NITDA to ensure that IT contractual practices and project delivery in the public sector are done in accordance with best practices, within acceptable standards and in the interest of the development of IT in Nigeria.

    “Furthermore, the agency, as the clearance house for IT projects of the Federal Government, has the responsibility to ensure that IT projects are executed by professional firms. NITDA as a regulator will not relent in its quest to improve IT practices and expose projects that are ill conceived or poorly executed,” the agency said.

    The agency assured all that it will not allow sub-standard projects in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) being executed by companies that have limited or no capacities. “The registration process will therefore ensure professionalism in IT service delivery, value for national investments in IT and to weed out quacks who may seek to take advantage of public procurement for selfish interests. The process will also provide a detailed database of indigenous IT capabilities in Nigeria to guide the government in planning IT projects and for the promotion of Nigerian content through appropriate use of public sector spend in IT. Furthermore, the process will lead to a review of failed projects with a view to curating knowledge on factors that may have led to the failure. NITDA in partnership with other relevant authorities shall take appropriate action where fraud may have led to failure,” NITDA explained.

    The NCS has insisted that only the CPN has power to register and licence IT contractors. Prof Aderounmu, who quoted the relevant sections of the law that created CPN, said NITDA is an agency charged with the responsibility of developing the appropriate framework and policies for the smooth running of the industry.

    He said if public sector IT projects had been awarded to contractors registered with CPN, they most likely would not have failed on the massive scale the NITDA DG alleged. He added that the appropriate step the NITDA sould have taken was to report the erring contractors to the CPN and not usurping the duties constitutionally assigned to CPN.

    He said the provisions of Act 49 of June 1993 gave the CPN the mandate to register and licence IT contractors because Section 2(2) of the Act empowers it to register members.

    “Persons admitted to the membership of the profession shall be registered as members of the profession in various categories, including the corporate member category; (under) CPN Act section 8(1), CPN has the mandate to keep, publish, print the list of all registered professionals and the list is available for inspection for members of the public at all reasonable time. This has been in operation since 1998; while CPN Act section 18(2b) deals with licensing. It prescribes the form of licence to be issued annually.”

    “The call for another registration and licensing of IT contractors by NITDA is tantamount to double registration, which is contrary to the Federal Government’s policy on ease of doing business. Furthermore it may lead to the registration of quacks and non-professionals.

    “Failed and substandard public IT projects cited by NITDA should have been reported to CPN for necessary action. IT contracts should only be awarded to CPN registered members; the list is available online and in accordance with Public Procurement Act 2007.

    “Registering and licensing IT contractors is not within the mandate of NITDA which is to create framework, guidelines and policy to develop IT. When properly implemented, it will solve the problem of unemployment in Nigeria which is the focus of the present administration,” Prof Aderounmu said.

     

     

  • ‘Why we started farmers’ registration in Ondo’

    The Ondo State government at the weekend said the current registration of farmers in its forest reserves is to ensure their proper documentation.

    The registration, he said, is meant to establish the level of depletion to preserve and regenerate the forest reserves.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture, Otunba Gboyega Adefarati, spoke in Akure, the state capital, while addressing community leaders and farmers in government forest reserves across the state.

    Adefarati said the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration is poised to encourage farmers as well as protect the flora and fauna of its forest reserves.

    The commissioner said only those farming in the forest reserves would be registered and issued identity cards while encroachers would not be allowed into the forest reserves.

    he said economic trees would be given to the farmers to enable them regenerate the areas that have been depleted.

    The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Agriculture, Akin Olotu, said the registration and documentation would give the farmers the peace to do their businesses without harassment from any individual or group.

    The governor’s aide said the decision would enable the government to coordinate the activities of encroachers in the forest reserves, generate income and provide security for the farmers and their crops.

    Community leaders and farmers expressed happiness about the initiative and pledged to cooperate with the government for the success of the registration.

  • JAMB extends registration by five days

    JAMB extends registration by five days

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ( JAMB ) has extended registration for the unified tertiary matriculation examination till Sunday 11, by 12 midnight.

    The board said registration for Direct Entry candidates continues.

    JAMB Head of Information, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, made the announcement in a statement after a meeting with directors of the agency on Tuesday, in Abuja.

    The board advised candidates to use the period to complete their registration as request for further extension would not be entertained.

    The statement reads: The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announces the extension of registration for 2018 UTME till midnight of Sunday, 11th February, 2018.

    “JAMB as a responsive organization has taken the decision albeit with great hesitation to accommodate candidates who failed to register between the two months window period that ended at midnight of Tuesday, 6th February, 2018.

    Read Also: JAMB fixes Feb 6 as deadline for UTME registration

    “The failure of these candidates to register is unfortunate and the board hastens to add that this culture of impunity will not be tolerated and indeed penalty may be imposed for late registration in future.

    “UTME candidates are therefore strongly advised to take advantage of the extension to register as request for further extension would not be entertained.”

    Earlier, JAMB registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede had told reporters that a total of 1,451,691 million candidates had registered for the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, while 39,663 candidates were for the Direct Entry.

    He stated this when he received the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu.

    The examination is expected to hold on March 7 across 649 computer based test centres.

  • NIMC eyes 78m for registration

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has set a new target of registering 78 million Nigerians into its data base before the end of the year.

    So far, it has enrolled over 28 million Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database (NID) and issued them the National Identification Number (NIN). The milestone was attained last January 10.

    NIMC Director-General/CEO, Aliyu A. Aziz, said more 50 million Nigerians and legal residents would be registered and issued with NIN by December.

    In December 2016, when the enrolment stood at only 14 million, the NIMC chief promised to double the figure to capture 28 million Nigerians and legal residents into the database by last December, a target that was met few days after the end of December.

    NIMC Head, Corporate Communication, Loveday Chika Ogbonna, quoted  the CEO as saying that the achievement could not have been possible, but for the dedication, commitment and sacrifices made by the commission’s workers on the one hand and the unalloyed support of the government, despite the economic meltdown.

    He also acknowledged the push for the mandatory use of the NIN from stakeholders and partners of the commission in the private and public sectors, especially members of the Harmonisation Committee set up by the Federal Government.

    “Indeed, their commitment towards the harmonisation contributed to the growth of the database, as well as increase in the public’s awareness about the NIN and its benefits,” Aziz said.

    The Harmonisation Committee is made up of the about 23 Federal Government agencies who are stakeholders in the identity sector.

    Explaining that the NIN bequeaths citizens with privileges and benefits, the DG listed some benefits to include one-person-one identity, ability to verify and authenticate individual’s identity, access to services, claims and entitlement and benefit from the government social interventions.

    Urging Nigerians to take advantage of the over 900 enrolment centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to enrol for the NIN, the NIMC DG said the commission is set to start the enforcement of the mandatory use of the NIN for identity-based transactions as enshrined in the NIMC Act No 23 of 2007.

    The DG also stated that the commission recently gazetted and published supplementary regulations, which consist of principles, practices, policies, processes and procedures that would be used to achieve the desired objectives of enforcing the NIN.

    He urged on Nigerians to be patient, saying the commission would  ensure that they get their National Identity cards. He thanked the  public for their feedback, adding that it has helped to improve the commission’s service delivery.

  • Group calls for participation in voters’ registration

    Group calls for participation in voters’ registration

    Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard has called on Lagos residents to come out en mass for the ongoing voters’ registration.

    The group’s state coordinator,  Seyi Bamigbade , made this call, while addressing pressman about their Alimosho for Ambode Proverty Alleviation Empowerment programme and the official integration of some political groups into the Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard  in Lagos.

    Bamigbade recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 27,2017  began the continuous voters’ registration (CRV) exercise across the country which was intended to afford all eligible citizens the opportunity to vote.

    Bamigbade said so far four million Nigerians had registered across the country which, according to him, was a low turnout.

    He called on all eligible Lagos residents to register at the INEC offices in all local government headquarters and other officially designated areas across the state between 9am and 3pm from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

    He said the Alimosho for the Ambode Poverty Alleviation Empowerment programme was part of the All Progressives Congress (APC) policy to empower people to go into small scale businesses.

    He said: “The empowerment programme will hold at the Igando Ikotun L CDA  Secretariat on Saturday, January 27.The official integration of some political groups into the Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard  Intermediate will come up on Monday 29 at the Oshodi Local Government Secretariat,  Legislative Hall.