By Femi Anamelechi
Ohanaeze Ndeigbo Worldwide , Anambra State Chapter, is deeply alarmed and disappointed over the shameful and inexcusable failures characterizing the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across Anambra State. What should have been a seamless civic process has become, in many communities, a deliberate scheme to disenfranchise Ndi Anambra. In a press release signed Bar. Ken Ekemezie the publicity secretary of the Pan Igbo cultural organization he strongly stated that “We strongly condemn the avoidable chaos and failures reported across the state, particularly in Ogbaru, Obosi, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ihiala, and several other communities and wards, where thousands of our people are being systematically denied their constitutional right to register and participate in the electoral Process. The complaints from various communities paint a disturbing picture:”
According to the State Publicity Secretary the gross under supply of registration machines and personnel is crippling the process from the start. He also pointed out the extremely limited registration locations, forcing citizens to travel long distances and endure endless queues as impediments. Other factors he enumerated are: Inadequate network infrastructure, with INEC field staff relying on individuals to provide personal data connectivity to power their systems – a responsibility that INEC should have planned for and provided. Widespread reports of extortion, where citizens are being forced to pay bribes to registration officers in order to exercise their civic right.
Transaction-driven bottlenecks, especially in populous wards like Obosi, Nigeria’s largest ward, where most eligible voters have been unable to register. Institutionalized humiliation, as ordinary citizens are subjected to indignity and frustration simply for seeking to register.The group vehemently regrets this unwholesome development.”This situation is unacceptable. INEC’s failure to deploy resources adequately and ethically manage the process raises serious questions about its commitment to credible elections in Anambra State.”
In light of this, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State, demands the following:1. Immediate and unconditional extension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across Anambra State.2. Deployment of sufficient registration machines, competent personnel, and reliable network infrastructure to all communities, especially rural areas like Ogbaru, Anambra East and West, Ihiala, Ayamelum, and others that have been heavily underserved.3. Urgent investigation and sanctioning of all personnel involved in acts of extortion or transactional registration process.4. INEC must immediately address all operational failures to restore public confidence ahead of the November elections.5. No citizen of Anambra State should be denied the fundamental right to register and vote.
Disenfranchisement in any form is a violation of our civic rights and a threat to democracy.6. The Anambra State Government (ANSG), political leaders, civil society, and all stakeholders must unite on this non-partisan issue and officially demand urgent intervention from INEC. INEC has an obligation not just to conduct elections, but to guarantee that every eligible citizen is given unhindered access to the process. The current situation is a clear breach of that duty. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State Chapter, will not accept excuses or explanations. What we demand is immediate corrective action.We call on INEC to extend the CVR now, fix the failures, and respect the civic rights of Ndi Anambra.
