Lagos Speaker, INEC Lament Poor PVC Collection, Voter Apathy

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has implored Nigerians not to simply register for the permanent voters card but to make sure they also use it in the upcoming 2023 elections.

Obasa stated this at the 8th Annual Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting held simultaneously by lawmakers across the State.

Speaking also at the event, Mr. Felix Daramola, head of electoral operations at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) noted the very poor outings by voters in the State during elections.

Addressing stakeholders in his Agege Constituency 1, Speaker Obasa noted that the theme of the stakeholders’ meeting, ‘2023 General Elections: The Imperatives of Permanent Voters’ Cards’, was very apt as the nation matches towards the elections.

He said: “It is, however, quite worrisome that over 20 million Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) still remain uncollected across the nation according to a recent INEC report and out of this huge figure, one million are from Lagos State.

“This situation does not augur well for our progress, our democracy and the development of the State as it may create an opportunity for incompetent persons to be elected as our leaders and representatives and thus overturn our achievements.

“As you know, Lagos State has been so blessed with great and visionary leaders and representatives right from the Second Republic in 1979 when Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande came on board as the first civilian governor, supported by a vibrant House of Assembly, and most significantly from 1999 in the Fourth Republic with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu not just emerging as the governor of Lagos State but revered as the architect of modern day Lagos.

“All these were made possible due to citizens actively voting at elections to choose the right candidates.

“Consequently, the Lagos State House of Assembly under the able leadership of Rt. Hon.(Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa wish to reiterate the need for everyone to obtain his or her PVC in order to vote in the coming general election. Your PVC is your power not just to continue building the State but the nation as well; it is your power for continuity, it is your power for the stability and sustainability of our enduring and cherished democracy, it is your power to secure a bright and promising future for our children, our State and the nation.”