By Ogenyi Ogenyi Uyo
Supporters of former Labour Party Presidential Candidate Mr Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, in Akwa Ibom have launched a political strategy, Go get your PVC, Get Organized- Go Make Election Rigging Difficult, GO-MERD, to sensiize and prepare Nigerians for credible elections..
They have also confirmed that the former Anambra State Governor would run for the Presidency of the country under the African Democratic Congress,ADC, coalition in the next general election.
State Cordinator of the Movement Dr Ben Smith told a press conference in Uyo weekend that the move was also meant to encourage unregistered adults to register and obtain their Voters Cards inorder to vote and elect the right leaders.
Smith emphasised that a new Nigeria is possible if citizens take ownership of the electoral process and demand good governance.
The Movement, he explained cut across party lines but with emphasis on ensuring that the right thing is done during elections while the plan is for Obidients to form and mobilize people into voting blocs and work for the victory of those who have demonstrated enough capacity and commitment to protect Nigeria from collpase
“The Obidient Movement is not about one man. It is about millions rising with one voice. declaring that enough is enough. It is about a new mindset for a new Nigeria. Let us transform our minds from the consumption of public funds to producing a better society with the same public funds. Let us stand up and fight for our future, and for the future of our children yet unborn.
“Today, as we launch the GO-MERD Campaign here in Akwa Ibom State, know that GO-MERD means Get Organised – Make Election Rigging Difficult. GO-MERD is revolutionary because it places the burden of ensuring electoral integrity in your hands. GO-MERD allows you to take ownership of the electoral process.
“We make this bold statement not just as another campaign but as the defining call to our generation that has suffered the consequences of bad leadership birthed by beneficiaries of fraudulent elections that have plagued our democratic process.
“In furtherance of this, I encourage every well-meaning Obidient who is ready to get organised right away to visit our official bloc registration portal at https://member.obidients.com/voting-bloc/m5816pun. There, you can join a voting bloc or create one, and commit to enrolling at least 100 persons per unit.
“Build meaningful relationships with these 100 persons, for in solidarity lies our greatest protection against vote buying. This is how we convert numbers into strength, and strength into victory.A New Nigeria is not far away. It is already being born.
He regretted that uxceasive administrations have faird to better the lot if the masses who have continuously been deceived with false promises saying that the move is meant to discourage such fake political promises especially during electioneering campaigns.
“Today, our mothers still sell peppers with candlelight because electricity is a luxury. Our fathers toil in the oil fields but cannot afford to send their children to quality schools. Our hospitals echo not only with the cries of the sick but also of unborn babies whose first tears are shed in darkness because there is no power.
“Shall we stand idle while kleptocrats mortgage the destiny of our children yet unborn? Shall we keep silent while the sweat of our fathers and the prayers of our mothers are wasted? This is the moment. Get Your PVC & GO-MERD Akwa Ibom State if your answers to these questions are an emphatic no.
“Let us remember the sacrifices of those who came before us: the founding fathers who fought for Nigeria’s independence, the fearless activists who gave their lives for free, fair, and credible elections, the martyrs of June 12 who declared that the will of the people must stand. Their voices echo today, asking: Will you let our struggles be in vain?
“The polling unit is our battleground. Get Your PVC & GO-MERD Akwa Ibom State. This is your chance. If you just turned 18, go and register. If you have lost your PVC, this is the time to replace it. If you relocated, this is the time to transfer your voting unit to the new location. If you already have your PVC, guard it like your life depends on it because truly, it does.
“From Itam Market to UNIUYO, from AKSU hostels to Ibom Plaza, from Etinan to Oron, Ikot Ekpene to Eket, and to every nook and cranny of our state, let us re-echo this message: Get Your PVC & GO-MERD.” Smith concluded
