By Okerafor Athanasius, Jalingo
National Deputy Women Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajiya Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim has tasked the people of Taraba State on the need to participate actively in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise.
Hajia Ibrahim spoke during a one-day sensitization and mobilization program on exercise, at conference hall of C2C Events Centre, Jalingo, the State capital.
Disclosing that the exercise has national significance, Ibrahim, who is also the Chairperson, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Gombe State, said the power of democracy rests not only in the hands of political parties but those of the people.
Stressing the need for the people to have their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), Hajia Ibrahim said power is expressed through persons who have PVCs in their hands.
“As we all know that without the PVC, our voices are silenced at the ballot box, our influence diminished, and our collective destiny placed in the hands of others, therefore, my dear leaders and mothers of our great nation, the Continuous Voters Registration is not just an exercise.
“It is an opportunity for the youth who have just turned 18 to register and become active participants in shaping the Nigeria they desire.
“It’s an opportunity for women, whose strength and resilience sustain our families and communities, to take their rightful place in politics. It is also an opportunity for men, elders, and religious leaders to lead by example, encouraging their followers to secure their PVCs and prepare to vote.
“As a party, the APC believes in inclusiveness, participation, and grassroots mobilization; we cannot win elections or drive sustainable development if our people are not empowered with the basic tool of democracy, the PVC,” she said.
Calling on Local Government leaders in the State to intensify efforts in guiding and supporting citizens in their communities to participate fully in the CVR exercise and the party ward leaders to ensure that no ward is left behind in the exercise, she stressed that every eligible voter must be engaged.
Ibrahim further called on APC women groups across the State to lead the campaign, saying “women have always been the backbone of political participation in Nigeria, and this moment calls for greater action.”
She added: “Our religious leaders must use the pulpit and the mosque as platforms of civic enlightenment; participation in elections is not only a civic duty but also a moral responsibility to future generations.
“Beloved compatriots, democracy is about numbers, and numbers are secured only through mobilization and active participation. Let us not wait until the eve of elections before we act. The CVR is ongoing now. This is the time to register, to transfer, or to update voter information.
“Let us remember: Our vote is our voice. Our PVC is our. power. Together, we can ensure that every eligible citizen in Jalingo and Taraba State is mobilized, sensitized, and fully prepared to exercise their democratic rights.
“Let us take this sensitization beyond this hall, into our markets, our places of worship, our schools, and our neighborhoods. The future of our democracy depends on the actions we take today.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Hajia Ibrahim speaking during the event.
