Osun 2018: Observer Group Sensitise Women On Poll
Ahead of the September 22 governorship election in Osun State, an international election observer group, Pan African Women Project led no fewer than 1000 Osun women to sensitise the electorate, especially women on the need to exercise their voting rights without fear of intimidation.
Addressing the women and others shortly after a road show that took off from Ogo-Oluwa area through Ataoja High School to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC headquarters in Osogbo, the Executive Director, Pan African Women Project PAWP, Dr (Mrs), Eno Udensi charged women to come out enmass to cast their votes for candidates of their choice.
Dr. Udensi, who head the South African based elections observer group urged Osun women to resist all forms of intimidation, harassment and monetary inducement during next week Saturday’s governorship poll.
She added that the road show was a way of reaching out to women with a view to sensitising them on the need to participate actively in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
Dr Udensi who expressed displeasure at the conduct of the electorate and politicians in the recently concluded Ekiti state governorship election, said women should reject money-bag politicians who believe they can only win elections through monetary inducement.
She noted that women are very critical to the development of any nation, hence the need for Osun women to participate actively in the coming election in the state.
She reminded the women that they have more voting percentage than any other voting group in the country and urged them to use their votes to elect leaders, who would effect positive change in the society.
She warned them to be mindful of politicians reportedly going about collecting voter cards from ‘unsuspecting’ members of the public in exchange for jobs, money and other material gifts.
Mrs Udensi further advised them to ensure that their children and wards were not used for political thuggery, before, during and after the elections.
“Do not engage in actions that will hinder the development of the state and mortgage the future of your children and those yet unborn.
“Those of you who are yet to collect your PVC should go and collect it in order to qualify to participate in choosing your governor “.
Echoing a similar view, the Deputy Head, Pan African Women Project, Mrs Louette King said the sensitisation rally was to educate stakeholders on the need to ensure a credible guber poll in the state.
Mrs King further urged the women not to make choices that could compromise their conscience during the election.
Also speaking, the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje pledged free, fair, and credible election with the assurance that electorates votes will count.
He also frowned at voter’s inducement syndrome adding that it is criminal for both the sellers and buyers of vote.
Agbaje noted that Osun election is special because there was never a state in Nigeria where 48 parties ever contested an election in the history of Nigeria.
He urged those who have not collected their PVC to do so as there is opportunity to do so till Monday when distribution of PVC will be closed .
Also speaking, Osun APC women leader, Alhaja Kudirat Fafokunde urged women to warn their children to desist from all activities capable of causing crisis in the state.
Chief Mrs Alice Omowumi Otunla, PDP women leader appreciated the organiser of the programme, saying the programme complimented what they had been telling their people on the need to come out and vote for their preferred candidate.
Osun state R Commissioner, Mr Olusegun Agbaje urged all eligible women to come out on Saturday, September 22 and vote for the candidate of their choice.
