Ahead of Anambra governorship election, voters have been charged to shun vote buying in the state.
Executive Director, Social and Integral Development Centre, (SIDEC), Mrs. Ugochi Ehiahuruike, gave the charge while addressing traders at Eke Igbo-Ukwu market in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing the traders mainly women, Ehiahuruike said, “Our message is simple – say no to vote trading. If you’re not ready to sell, the buyers will not come to you.”
“Uphold the virtue of the woman who rejected 5000 from politicians to buy her vote during the 2021 Governorship Election.
“She was later appreciated with one million naira by the Governor. Do not sell your future and that of your generation because of peanut.
“No amount of money can be compared with good governance. Insist on electing a good leader as governor.
SIDEC Executive Director contended that votes count as Nigeria keep reforming its electoral system.
“Politicians now know that they cannot manipulate the process as before. So, they have seriously resorted to vote buying. It is an indication that your vote is your power.
“Do not misuse that power. Do not sell your votes for whatever amount. Vote for the best of the candidate who will deliver good governance,” she admonished.
She equally educated participants on the need to allow the vulnerable to enjoy the priority voting as provided for in the Electoral Act 2022.
“The vulnerable include the PWDs, the pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly. Allow them to cast their votes first.
Ehiahuruike also charged citizens to avoid electoral violence in all its manifestations.
“Shun violence before, during and after the election. Do not allow politicians to use you to achieve their unscrupulous political targets.
In her remark, SIDEC Coordinator in Aguata LGA, Mrs. Ngozi Oragbakosi, called on every trader not to stay away from polling units on the election day.
“Come out and exercise your right. You have right to be treated fairly whether able or persons with disabilities. Cast your votes and do not show it to anyone because it is a secret ballot.”
Also speaking, Another member of the SIDEC team, Chioma Enweruzor, remarked, “If you don’t vote. You have no right to complain when things are not going on well.
“While going to vote, please, do not wear any dress with political parties’ insignias because it is against the law. Pass this message to your husbands and children especially those who are eligible to vote.
While the process lasts, take part and be peaceful. Avoid any act that can threaten the peace of the state.
The SIDEC team and women traders at Igboukwu market went from shop to shop with Project IMPACT message calling for peace, active participation and ownership.
ANN gathered that SIDEC is carrying out the voter sensitization programme in collaboration with Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, under the Project IMPACT funded by UK FCDO.
