Women Group Harps On Credible, Non- Violence Elections, Embarks On Voter Education

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, National News, News, Nigeria 2015 Election Monday, March 16th, 2015

FROM IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu – As the clock for the Nigeria’s rescheduled general polls ticks, a non governmental organization,NGO Women Aid Collective, (WACOL), has stressed the need for a peaceful, credible and non violence election across the country, especially in the South east zone.

To this end, the NGO weekend, staged a one-day voter Education and mobilisation workshop for south east electorate in Enugu.

In her remarks at the event, Executive Director of WACOL, Professor (Mrs) Joy Ezeilo, said:”the voter education and mobilisation of electorate for the 2015 national elections is intended to educate and empower the populace towards peaceful, non -violence, credible and free fair elections.

She regretted that Nigeria as a nation, had over the years, become politically lawless, as well as turned into a conclave of godfathers, moneybags and mercantile politicians.

“Although, the political history of Nigeria and past elections are not cheering, we feel that the situation calls for all hands on deck, and extra vigilance and action towards fostering a peaceful election and ensuring participation of the marginalised, especially women, youths, and people with disability”

Ezeilo, hinted that the programme was being funded by the European Commission, through the Democratic Governance for Development (DGD11) of the United Nations Development programme, UNDP.

According to her, the programme is part of the (UNDP’s) support in promoting credible, transparent and sustainable electoral processes across the globe, as well as strengthening the channels of civic engagement to improve democratic governance.

“It is supporting WACOL to carry out activities aimed at providing voter and civic education for the sensitization and mobilisation of eligible voters to participate in the 2015 general elections”

Professor Ezeilo, who is a law lecturer, at the University of Nigeria, UNN, disclosed that under the project, WACOL, will be conducting extensive voter education and mobilisation. Campaigns through workshops, Town hall meetings, radio and television shows, in order to animate potential voters to fully participate in the electoral process as informed citizens.

“It is expected that these activities will further deepen the ongoing development of the democratic process and give Nigerians voters the opportunity to vote candidates of their choice”.

Ezeilo, explained that the workshop which featured paper presentations, became necessary because elections in south east, just like elsewhere in Nigeria, are always prone to violence most times, or inconclusive”