2019: We have been marginalized before election- Communities in Kogi cry out

The People of Onyioto/ Ageva,  Oro in Okengwe under Okene Local Government area of Kogi State has raised alarm over alleged marginalization by the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC)  before the commencement of the 2019 general election.

It would be recalled that NEC had scheduled the Presidential election and National Assembly election for February 16 and the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections for March 2,  2019.

Our Kogi Correspondent who went round with a Kogi Non Government Organization known as Challenged Parenthood Network Initiative (CPNI) in collaboration with the INEC on a door-door campaign for a violence free election gathered that the communities is housing over 15,000 people's.

It was also learnt that despite the growing population of the communities, it has yet to feel any government presence.

Speaking with a community leader in Onyioto/ Ageva, Mr. John Ochu lamented that residents in the community were forced to travel several kilometers to register and exercise their Voting rights  in the past.

He threatened that his people may likely boycott the forthcoming polls, insisting that the failure to create wards and polling units in their community was politically motivated.

He accused the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) of playing a lead role in sabotaging their efforts in achieving their aim in getting polling units and wards in their Communities.

"Am highly disappointed that up to this point,  we are yet to have a polling units.  They promised us that our plight will be looked into before 2019, now election is here and nothing has been done. Educated registered voters go far from their location to other areas like Abuga/Ozuja ward and Obehira Eba to register and cast their votes. This will no longer be acceptable. They should have told us that we are not part of Okene Local government or under Kogi State rather than getting this punishment during election. With this, we have been marginalized and disenfranchised before the election begins. We are all aware that there will be restriction of movement on that day.  How do we get to our voting point?  We are tired of this marginalization.  Since we are not regarded in our Local government, let them conduct their election" he said.

Corroborating the position of the community leader, the Chairman Okengwe Development Association, ODA, Ezekiel  Dangana said the community has written several memos for the creation of more wards and polling units but nothing has been done.

He stressed that  the community has continued to suffer neglect from both past and present administration in the State.

Earlier,  the executive director Challenged Parenthood Network Initiative (CPNI) Mrs. Eunice Abimbola Agbogun called on electoral to remains peaceful during the polls, adding that selling their votes will amount to selling their future.

Adding that the NGO has taken note of all the issues and  will immediately engage INEC to look into it in due course.

Our Correspondent  reports that CPNI also moved its campaign for a violence free election to Ogori Magongo Local Government of Kogi State.

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