The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure older persons vote on arrival on Saturday.
Sen. Eze Ajoku made the call while speaking on the plight of older persons as caused by the Naira redesign during a news conference in Abuja.
He called on INEC to ensure the protection and care of older persons during the election by making available seats, water, first aid box and priority queue for them.
“As we approach the polls this weekend, we call on INEC to ensure that older persons’ protection and care are put in place.
“Older persons should be singled out and allowed to vote on arrival so that they are not discouraged by waiting too long on the queues.”
Ajoku, who expressed worry over the ongoing hardship of older persons, called on government to provide palliatives for them to cushion the effects.
According to him, older persons have pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, stroke among others.
He, therefore, called on government to provide financial assistance as palliatives to enable them buy drugs and move from one point to another.
Ajoku also advised banks to provide a counter dedicated to older persons and those with disabilities.
“Older persons are used to writing cheques and collecting their money over the counter.
“Also, account officers should support older persons who are their customers by specifically arranging for them to come in at stipulated times to collect cash no matter how small.
“For those in rural areas, banks should deploy a community-based approach to enable older persons get some money,” he said.
The coalition leader, however, urged his members to conduct themselves well on the election day and vote for any candidate of their choice.
