NOA’s Akwa Ibom State Director, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, gave the assurance during a civic enlightenment session with youths and community leaders in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. He expressed concern that many voters had yet to pick up their PVCs and appealed to residents to take advantage of the ongoing distribution exercise so they could participate in next year’s elections.
Mkpoutom assured the people that measures had been introduced to ensure that every vote counts. He urged them not to be deterred by fear, doubt or false information, describing voting as a vital means through which citizens choose their leaders and influence the future of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
The director also took the participants through the proper voting process, stressing the need to comply with electoral guidelines for an orderly exercise. He advised voters to heed instructions from electoral officials, understand the procedure and cast their ballots peacefully.
He further called for calm before, during and after the elections, warning against violence, intimidation, hate speech and other actions that could undermine the process. According to him, elections should provide citizens with the opportunity to make their choices freely and peacefully.
Mkpoutom also charged political parties, candidates and their supporters to promote peaceful engagement and respect the rights of others, irrespective of political affiliations. He said the cooperation of all stakeholders in maintaining peace and responsible conduct was crucial to a credible poll.
He advised residents to obtain electoral information from INEC, NOA and other authorized sources, rather than depend on unverified claims on social media. He reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to civic education, responsible citizenship and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
