Mazi Ottih Nwaka the convener Passionate Elderly Care Initiative, PECI has led a delegation of about 250 senior citizens in Arochukwu to carry out a walk in support of the Labor Party Gubernatorial Candidate.
In a release made available to Aro Okeigbo Blog, it noted that despite being of aged, it doesn’t worth being disenfranchised as most Government policies affect both young and old and sometimes affects the senior citizens the most.
They noted that the role of seniors in every election is important, their collective participation holds power. First, in a close election, every vote counts. Second, despite significant ideological diversity within the senior population, seniors are able to come together and defend their interests by contacting their elected officials, and yes, voting. With demographics in their favor, there is every reason to believe that seniors will continue to make their voices heard, and play an active role in shaping the policies that directly affect them and our great nation.
The Release Read,
Mazi Ottih Nwaka led about 250 senior citizens in Arochukwu Kingdom who unanimously declare their support for Dr. Alex Otti the Labour Party Governorship candidate for Abia State.
In their declaration, he stated that as we are heading towards the elections proper, it is very important we remember that we must not de-franchise our seniors because the role of seniors in every election is important, the senior vote holds power.
With every four years in Nigeria comes elections, the time when Nigerian citizens discuss policies, personalities and preferences most often, and seniors are no exception. The role of seniors in every election is important, their collective participation holds power. First, in a close election, every vote counts. Second, despite significant ideological diversity within the senior population, seniors are able to come together and defend their interests by contacting their elected officials, and yes, voting. With demographics in their favor, there is every reason to believe that seniors will continue to make their voices heard, and play an active role in shaping the policies that directly affect them and our great nation.
Mazi Ottih Nwaka stated that, the first thing to keep in mind is that retired people are especially vulnerable to any changes in policy made by elected officials. They are practically concern about their health care options, feeding, housing and the welfare of others. He informed the seniors and all attendees that, when a person’s health and livelihood are so heavily dependent on government assistance(if there is any), voting becomes much more than a mere exercise in civic duty; it can make a very tangible difference in one’s quality of life.
The more salient point of this message, in his opinion, is the importance of civic participation.
He advised the seniors to organize a small awareness project in their localities and advise other seniors who could not attend the event better because their rights, dignity and welfare must be protected by the elected officials.
Before the declaration, there was a 5 days serious door to door sensitization on the elections in Arochukwu LGA and the role of senior citizens sponsored by Mazi Ottih Nwaka and Nwa Mazi Raymond Ferdinand Ukaatu Ivi.
