From Ijeoma John, Nnewi
Ahead of November 8 governorship election, TAF Africa, an organisation funded by the European Union has organised an intensive training of its election observers in Anambra South Senatorial Zone.
The training which was held at the Nnewi Hotel on Friday was fully attended by the TAF Africa senior programme officer, represented by the Senior Programme Assistant,George Anwayi, senior communication Officer, Lynn Agwuncha, IT consultant, Jachimike Odibo and scores of trainees.
It must be noted that the training continues to the remaining Senatorial districts in Anambra State.
One of the facilitators and Senior Communication Officer of the organisation, Lynn Agwuncha said the training was to make sure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) complies with the Section 54 (1,2) of the Electoral Act which allows priority voting for persons with disabilities, adding that democracy should be for all.
“Discrimination against people with disabilities is an offense against the law. It is a provision in the Electoral Act and not a matter of pity. Every person with disability has the right to vote or be voted for and they should be given priority attention during the election.
“Persons with disabilities are among the most marginalized people and we fight to see that the stigma is done away with. They should be given the opportunity to fully exercise their franchise without harassment”she said.
She advised the trainees not to be in a hurry at their duty posts but to make sure that all the details of their job mandate are obtained to enable them give comprehensive reports.
The observers were instructed to report whatever challenge encountered in the field to one of the facilitators, Mr Jachimike Odibo for immediate action.
The observers were also instructed to be security conscious and report security breakdown to the appropriate quarters and to be secretive in doing so for their safety and to be sure of their reports, too.
“Be diligent in carrying out your duties and don’t see it as another opportunity to benefit from government funds. It is not so. Do the job with zeal and passion with national interest.
“Inclusion of people with disabilities is our greatest concern and that should be your objective for the assignment. You’re expected to cover where you will file in reports about the persons with physical disabilities. Some people look at persons with disabilities as those who cannot perform, that’s not true. The law allows them to vote or be voted for, “she added.
She spoke on violence and a whole lot of other issues that may arise during the election and how to handle such situations.
Others who addressed the trainee observers on the task ahead were: Senior Programme Assistant, TAF Africa, Mr George Anwayi who represented the Programme Manager, Adeolu Kilanko and IT Consultant, Jachimike Odibo.