From Francis Akinnodi, Ondo
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The Ondo State House of Assembly member representing Ondo West 11, Hon. Ifedayo Akinsoyinu has urged residents of Ondo kingdom to go and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) in preparation for next year’s general elections.

In a chat with The Hope, the former House of Assembly Majority Leader urged the people to take advantage of the extension in the date of the voter registration exercise which will now end on August 31.

He described the extension as a welcome development, urging youths to get registered, collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and participate actively in the nation’s electoral process.

Akinsoyinu said that youths should not sit at home and criticise leaders; when their impact in enshrining good governance, can be achieved with their numerical strength.

He also advised youths to register with political parties and ensure that the right thing especially the principles of internal democracy and fairness is enshrined in their political party of choice.

“If the Nigerian youths must stand up and be counted while making a difference in our national polity; youths must stand up and unite to ensure that the right thing and right people are supported in political parties.

“You can even bring in bright ideas that will make your party of choice move forward and bring progress to the entire country electoral-wise.

“The extension in the date will enable those who have not registered to do so. Our people should also know that it is their electoral responsibility to register and get PVCs, especially citizens above 18 years.

“We need voters card for several other things apart from election, so it is very important for everyone above the age of 18”, he said.

When The Hope visited the INEC offices in Ondo West and Ondo East, people were seen in numbers on queues trying to register and collect their voters card.

According to an INEC official, who does not want his name in print, said INEC will continue to hold regular inter-face and meetings with various stakeholders to prepare electoral process for a hitch-free general elections in 2019.

“Our offices are open for people to register and get their PVCs. People are coming in numbers everyday to register, we want them to be patient with our officials and the process will be fast”.