A KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE SENATE PRESIDENT, DR ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON AT THE LAUNCHING OF THE ‘GETREGISTERED NAIJA MOBILE APPLICATION’ – REPRESENTED BY DISTINGUISHED SENATOR MAO OHUABUNWA, SENATE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND COMMUNCIABLE DISEASES, HOLDING ON THE 14TH DAY OF JULY, 2017 AT THE YAR’ADUA CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA

DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, OUR VALUABLE GUESTS 

GENTLEMEN OF THE PRESS

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN 

It is my rare privilege to be here today to witness this unique occasion of the launching of ‘democracy going technological’ and dependable in our Nation. The Senate President, His Excellency, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON planned to be here for this occasion, but is today unavoidably absent attending another important State assignment. He therefore mandated me to represent him, to underscore the importance of this occasion to the Senate President and the entire National Assembly. I bring you special greetings from them! 

We are all gathered here to witness the launching of 'GetRegistered Naija Mobile Application'. This application is a great technological innovation, designed to change the way we think about our democratization process. It promises to usher a new paradigm-shift of enlightening the citizens on the essentials of voter's registration, - all with the aim of enhancing our electoral process and deepening our democracy.

As stakeholders in the Nigerian electoral process, the President of the Senate, the entire National Assembly members and many and many of our citizens out there – all have our eyes and ears focused on achieving a reliable and dependable future of our nation and polity in all ramifications. We are especially open and attracted to capturing any details and plans for the next round of general elections that will set our Nation on a stable and stronger polity. This is why we must consistently keep reminding ourselves of the importance of massive enlightenment on the fundamentals of voters’ registration process in Nigeria, - such as this product now championed by the ‘Getregistered Naija Mobile Application’ that we launch today. 

Distinguished ladies and Ggentlemen, it is necessary for all our citizens to begin to appreciate the fact that any successful voters’ registration exercise – delivered accurately and fairly, will not only ensure a high level of motivation and encouragement in the electorate, but will equally engender their confidence in the governments that emerge from such exercise, and through that lead to a stronger, peaceful and more sustainable democracy in our nation. 

I will therefore note here that the launching of ‘Getregistered Naija Mobile Application’ which we perform today, is not only timely and cheering news, but very exciting because it directs its focus on addressing the intractable problems of accuracy and effectiveness in our electoral process in many more areas of need. I therefore wish to tremendously commend the organizers of this unique program for initiating this vital project, especially with its focus on providing useful information indispensable in the facilitation of accurate, comprehensive and more sustainable approach towards the promotion of current and continuous voters’ registration exercise in the nation. 

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I want to assure you that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will work with the entire National Assembly, interact with all relevant stakeholders, including the Executives of our Government, so that together we can achieve the desired successful voters’ registration process to crystalize a free, fair, transparent and credible election for Nigerians at all times. 

I will therefore appeal to all Nigerians, and especially my fellow politicians and other politically exposed persons to continue to give their maximum support to the Independent National Electoral Commission, as well as other stakeholders like the organizers of this unique program, - so that every one of us will commit to carrying out their political activities without hindrance and without fear or favour. 

I remain personally optimistic that the good people of Nigeria have the vision, the ability and strength of character, as well as the political will, - perseverance and maturity to always abide by the rules and regulations guiding our voters’ registration process. Let us therefore continue to work, build together, and especially, make good use of this new and vital Mobile Application to advance our electoral process, so that we move to a new era in our voters’ registration exercise, and indeed towards a more stable democratic polity. 

May God bless you, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Thank you for listening.