The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State on Monday urged women to persuade their husbands and children to shun violence during the February general elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Akin Orebiyi, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Orebiyi said that it became necessary to work with women because of their influence in the society.
“Without women, no one can draw the right urge to tackle the challenges of life; a woman is a step higher than man spiritually.
“No nation can rise; no nation can flourish unless it looks up to women and this is the vital place providence has put the women.
“We need women to receive the messages of peace for the conduct of the forthcoming general elections.
“Women have a lot of assignment to do in the conduct of the elections, they should influence their husband and children not to be used as political thugs,’’ he said.
According to him, the commission has organised workshop for women to sensitise them on their role in the elections.
The INEC boss said that the commission recognised the central role of women in political education and success of the general elections.
Orebiyi said that women were peacemakers who exerted great influence on men and children.
He advised eligible voters in the state to pick up their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) at their wards.
NAN recalls that the commission has moved to the 245 Collation Centres spread across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas for the distribution of PVCs ahead of the elections.
The commission had earlier said that about 1.8 million PVCs had yet to be claimed, while it was still expecting about 2 million cards to be distributed. NAN
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