The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has  urged  citizens of Jigawa to actively participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The NOA Director in the state, Mr Ahmad Tijjani, made the call on Thursday in an interview with news men in Dutse.

Tijjani, who described the CVR exercise as ‘crucial’ in strengthening democracy and inclusive governance, advised that no eligible citizen of the state should be left out of the registration process.

He said the call became necessary in view of the recent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) record that showed that only about 8,000 persons in the state registered for the PCV since the commencement of the exercise.

“I would like to call on all the critical stakeholders in the state, including religious and traditional leaders, opinion moulders, youths’ groups, women organisations and others to put heads together and ensure that all eligible persons (youths and women), are registered in the ongoing CVR exercise.

“Our voter cards are our weapon, the weapon of the masses, it is the instrument that can be used to institute a government of our choice.

“Agitations, protests, or whatever will not work. The only way is for us to get our valid PVCs so that we can select and elect the government of our choice,” he said.

The director added that the gesture was not only about encouraging the citizens’ participation, but also to encourage them to give more votes in future elections to the government that ensures their wellbeing.

“Going by the record as of last month, INEC portal showed that only 8,000 or above persons have so far enrolled which is a very weak feat for the state.”

Tijjani further advised those with valid PVCs to visit the INEC offices in their respective areas in order to validate their registration.

This, he said, was important as the commission had made some amendments which led to the creation of new voting centres.

“So for you to validate and know your appropriate voting center, one has to go to INEC to check the voter register as soon as possible,” Tijjani said.