By Ade Olu
Two political affairs analysts in Anambra State have described the surge in the number of Nigerians seeking to register to obtain their permanent voter’s cards is an indication of their resolve to take their destiny in their hands and rescue Nigeria from bad leadership.
Speaking in separate interviews, they were of the opinion that the sudden, unprecedented interest being demonstrated by Nigerians, particularly the youths is a reflection of popular dis-satisfaction with the current condition of the country.
One of them, Chief Chidozie Ezeugwa noted: “Most Nigerians are dissatisfied and in a democracy, there is no other way to effect a change than to obtain your voter’s card, which makes one eligible to elect candidates of one’s choice as leaders. People are not safe anywhere with unemployment and inflation hitting the roof. Nigerians are yearning for positive change”.
The Analyst expressed worry about various complaints from registration centres especially in the southern part of the country, where many enthusiastic citizens have been queuing for days to register, charged INEC to address all issues to dispel all negative insinuations.
“I wonder why problems are majorly emanating from the South. The North seems to be free, things going on very well. Our young ones and others are going through difficulties before they register. Nigerians are poised for the PVCs. They want to take their destiny in their hands,”
For his part, a member of Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr Timothy Ifedioranma, said the massive-turn out of citizens for the exercise is a great reawakening of citizen’s political consciousness, which indicates their resolve to take back their country.
“What is going on is a revolution, whether you like the word or not. I am happy that it is not a violent one. It is an indication of a hunger for change. It is a total departure from what we use to have in the past. People have gotten to their limit to the extent that they so desire the change that they are going for it without waiting for any motivation”.
“The spark came person of his Excellency, Mr Peter Obi and we must not forget that fact, no matter the party affiliation. Messages resonate with the youths. His speeches are soothing to the souls, providing solutions to the problems of today. Everyone has suddenly awakened to the reality that it is their future we are talking about here,” Dr Ifedioranma noted.
On the entire electoral process, the respondents appealed to INEC to be careful and thorough as it works within the confines of the law towards ensuring the success of the 2023 general election.
Chief Ezeugwa: “I wish above all things that INEC understands that Nigerians, who have demonstrated this unprecedented zeal will not entertain any funny attitude during the 2023 elections, especially the presidential election. We must get it right this time around”.
Dr Ifedioranma said: “As a legislator, I have been called and have had series of such reports. I know INEC is trying, but they need to up their game. I like the fact that you can do such things online. I advise INEC to create a different section for those who had done their registration online so that they can complete the process without stress”.
“If possible, let them beef up their equipment to be able to meet the surge in the number of interested Nigerians. We must understand the fact that the 2023 general election is key to the survival of the entity called Nigeria,” he warned.
