By Chinenye Chukwuma
In a bid to increase voter registration in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area, stakeholders convened for a crucial meeting over the weekend. The gathering, initiated by the LGA Chairman, Hon Prince Obioha Ndukwe, aimed to sensitize community leaders and residents on the importance of registering for the upcoming elections.
Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe, Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, emphasized that the meeting's primary objective was to promote INEC voter registration, which commenced two weeks prior. He urged stakeholders to mobilize their communities, ensuring Ihitte/Uboma LGA emerges as one of the top local governments in terms of voter registration.
Olemgbe stressed that the meeting was apolitical, focusing solely on voter registration. He explained that INEC's independent body conducts voter registration periodically, and it is essential for stakeholders to encourage their constituents to participate. The Speaker also highlighted the online registration process and the recent commencement of physical registration in every local government, including Ihitte/Uboma.
He appealed to stakeholders to inform their communities about the registration process, emphasizing that those who have lost their voter cards or wish to transfer their registration can do so at the INEC office. Olemgbe also encouraged stakeholders to collaborate with traditional rulers, community leaders, and women's groups to ensure widespread registration.
The Speaker emphasized the significance of voter registration, stating that it would enable Ihitte/Uboma LGA to bargain for more benefits, such as the creation of additional local governments or municipalities. He urged stakeholders to disseminate information about voter registration to various unions and communities, reiterating that every vote counts.
Hon Prince Obioha Ndukwe, the Executive Chairman of Ihitte/Uboma LGA, welcomed stakeholders to the meeting and underscored the importance of voter registration. He appealed to stakeholders to mobilize their communities, ensuring a high turnout for registration.
Reactions from stakeholders, including HRH Eze IU Onuoha (Ikpe 1 of Ikpenweafor), and HRH Eze Wilford Mbagwu (Abu 11 of Abueke), Lady Blessing Nwoba,and Barr Uche Okonkwo among others were overwhelmingly positive. They described the initiative as a welcome development and appealed for INEC staff to conduct registration exercises in rural communities to facilitate easier access for residents.
The stakeholders also emphasized the need for Ihitte/Uboma people to unite and eschew politics of bitterness, recognizing that their collective efforts would be crucial in achieving development goals for the area.
Meanwhile, the stakeholders' meeting in Ihitte/Uboma LGA marked a significant step towards boosting voter registration and promoting civic engagement in the community. With the collective efforts of stakeholders, traditional rulers, and community leaders, Ihitte/Uboma LGA is poised to make a meaningful impact in the upcoming elections.