INEC inaugurates committee on voter education, publicity in C’ River

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Cross River has inaugurated an Inter-Agency Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity ahead of the flag-off of distribution of permanent voters card.Inaugurating the Committee at INEC state quarters in Calabar Tuesday, The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini said the distribution of permanent Voters Card in Cross River would start July 18 and end July 20.He said the continuous voter registration would capture those who did not register in 2011 and those who had irregular registration during the period so that they would be eligible to vote in future elections.He said that members of the committee in which he is chairman were inaugurated because their medium, personality and work rate had positively impacted on society.The 18-member committee had a 7-point terms of reference from INEC.Igini said, “You will advise on effective strategies for public enlightenment and Voter education, identify various organisations and agencies capable of undertaking voter Education activities and recommend appropriate support for them.“Prepare for the distribution of Permanent Voter Card and commencement of Continuous Voter Registration; identify those organisation and agencies that can contribute resources to Voter education and develop agreed strategies for engaging with them.“Assist in the provision of materials for Voter Education as well as their distribution and dissemination to target groups; encourage the pooling of resources and proper utilisation of all available channels and platforms for voter education.“Undertake periodic review of Voter’s education activities in the state.Igini said INEC would want Nigerian to take ownership of the electoral process and show more commitment to the country.Members of the committee are drawn from the media, NGOs, faith-based organisations, women groups and critical stakeholders in the electoral process including key government agencies.