INEC Organizes Town Hall Meeting For Women Groups In Asaba

By Norbert Fidelis

It was like a market gathering as various women groupd in the State converged at the Golden Land Hotel, Asaba, for a Town Hall Meeting for women groups, organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Delivering his welcome address, the resident electoral commissioner, Rev. Monday Udom thanked God for the opportunity and said he is delighted at the meeting as it will educate and sensitize the women folks on the elections and the electoral process. He said women are the majority in the voting population and admonished them to come out and perform their civic duty on election day. Speaking further, he said the meeting will come out with strategies for women to participate in the electoral process and be more active in politics, which will make room for increased women participation in govt.

In the same vein, the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Chris, appreciated INEC for their commitment to organize a credible election by coming out with good innovations to achieve their mandate. He said the reforms are commendable and good, as they carry Nigerians along ,especially the women. He also commended the women groups for their partnership, urging them to be active in the electoral process. Finally, he appreciated INEC for using an all community approach to have a credible election.

Also speaking at the event, the executive director of working fingers international, Mrs Eris Jewo, said women should develop their capacity in the electoral process. She advised the women to have a social media group that will share information and other relevant activities concerning the forthcoming elections. She also said that women should attend political meetings and perform their civic duty, saying they should overcome the traditional and cultural beliefs that hinder them from voting.

Meanwhile, the Head Of Department (HOD) Voter Education Unit, INEC, Regina Ufuoma, has highlighted all INEC activities from the inception of the electoral process till date. She said the BIVAS is to ensure that fake votes and cheating is eliminated . She also advised the people to be vigilant and observant during the election by ensuring that no agent or aspirant is allowed to influence anybody, adding that people should caste their vote properly by thumb printing with their finger tip to avoid invalid vote. She also said that materials have been received and they are ready to train INEC officials, adding that results must be transmitted before leaving the polling unit

Other speakers at the meeting include, Ifeka Elika from INEC headquarters in Abuja, Mrs. Stella Macaulay, a woman advocate and Mrs. Eboka Bridget of the National Council For Women Society (NCWS).

At the end of the meeting, a communique was prepared to know the resolution of the meeting.

The objective of the programme is to sensitize women on the forthcoming elections and bring about increased participation of women in politics and government in general.