By Abubakar Yunusa.
The member representing Idah Federal Constituency, Hon. David Idris Zacharias, has urged sons and daughters of the Igala and Bassa communities to take advantage of the two-week grace period granted for voter registration, stressing that only registered voters can determine their leaders.
He made the call on Sunday in Abuja at the Igala-Bassa Renaissance Project fundraising dinner organised by the Ukomu Igala Organisation, which aims to raise N500m for community development initiatives.
Zacharias said low turnout for voter registration in parts of Igala land was linked to public frustration over perceived lack of development.
“As a House of Representatives member, I should know what the problem is. Our people refuse to come out to register because they are asking what the dividend is for supporting government when they don’t see development,” he said.
He noted that community leaders were embarking on sensitisation campaigns to re-orientate residents on the importance of civic participation.
“You don’t expect government to bring development while you sit at home. This voter card is what you use to define the person you bring into government,” he added.
In his welcome remarks, former Kogi State Governor, Idris Ichalla Wada, expressed concern over what he described as disturbing voter registration statistics in Kogi East compared to Kogi West and Central.
“We still have a window of opportunity over the next two weeks to bring out our people to register. What is important about registration is the number,” Wada said.
He explained that the number of registered voters often plays a significant role in determining electoral outcomes, urging stakeholders to mobilise communities to improve participation.
“It’s very important that we beef up our numbers. Let us rally around and talk to our people at home so they can take advantage of this opportunity,” he stated, while also calling for generous donations to support the renaissance project.
Also speaking, the President of the Ukomu Igala Organisation, Maj.-Gen. James Ataguba (retd.), urged members of the community to invest in security, unity and civic engagement for long-term prosperity.
“What you give today is not just a donation. It is a seed that will grow into a stronger, more united and prosperous Igala and Bassa land,” he said.
