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The noble idea of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State, in coming up with Imo State Social Benefit Scheme is a welcome development, one with a laudable program of fulfillment. The scheme comes with a service number, the Imo State Social Security Benefit Number [IMSSBN]. Imo State Social Security Benefit Number [IMSSBN] has come to stay; it is a product of social awareness, economic growth, development and benefit inclusiveness that is imbedded in the Imo Digital Economy Agenda. It is a unique identification number every resident [both individuals and corporate firms] and indigene of Imo State is expected to obtain for transactions with the government. The Social Security Benefit Number will position the holder to enjoy among other things the following benefits:
Accessing and engaging in transactions with the government.
Obtaining public assistance and support through government interventions.
Obtaining credit facilities that have government backing; obtaining government facilitation and support in accessing bank facilities.
Accessing and obtaining government social and medical insurance benefits and participation in government programs.
The social benefit program scheme is an economic bridge builder and a sustainable enhancer in generating economic and social benefits that are programmed for the interest of the people of Imo State irrespective of political affiliations. This laudable project must be understood for the benefit of our people and the message presented in its simplest form.
Generating INFORMATION AND DATA that are key to development and social benefit attainment:
This is the task of every responsible government world over; information and data gathering are needed for planning, social benefit and welfare mapping and other transactions. In Nigeria personal data gathering are generated using Permanent Voter Card [PVC] and National Identification Number [NIN], incidentally the two identification numbers are supposedly linked and could serve on independent terms.
The Government of Imo State is using Permanent Voter Card [PVC] to generate personal data for the residents, it is believed that this position might be based on statistical information, arguments and inclusions from the Federal Government and Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC].
The Federal Government said through the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami, that the National Identification Number [NIN] is mandatory for bank accounts and voter registration—
On a counter development the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] kicked against the proposed use of the National Identification Number (NIN) as a requirement for voter registration in Nigeria. Mr. Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its information and voters education, said “No organ of government or agency can impose additional registration criteria other than the ones set out in the law. No section of the constitution or the Electoral Act makes the possession of national identity number compulsory for voters’ registration”. The issue and argument put it “Therefore, unless the 1999 constitution is amended to accommodate the provision of the NIMC Act of 2007, the legality of the government’s plan to make NIN compulsory for voter registration will remain subject to debate.”..
Considering all above it is observed that compulsory use of NIN in Voter registration will unsettle many Nigerians, who fear that the move might disenfranchise millions of Nigerians who are yet to obtain their NIN. Where many people, particularly the rural dwellers and the elderly ones are yet to obtain the National Identification Number [NIN], the Permanent Voter Card [PVC], which has more rural involvement presents a better reach. This is the consideration that might have been advanced by the government of Imo State in the choice of the use of PVC number in obtaining the Social Security Benefit Scheme number, this is a way of reaching more residents in the state.
Enumeration and Enlistment in Imo State Social Security Benefit Scheme:
It is important to state that this has no political or election attachment, it is an exclusive social benefit enhancement scheme. Voters enumeration, classification, location and density are necessary for planning and execution of welfare and beneficial projects and programs. The Social Security Benefit Number is all inclusive identification number that links the bearer to the government and the attendant connections.
The question agitating some uninformed minds is: since one’s PVC Number is captured in the enumeration exercise, can the PVC be cloned and used for the purpose of election? The answer is No. Your PVC is in your hand and care, it cannot be cloned. Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says “cloning the permanent voter cards (PVCs) is of no consequence as the commission’s machines will not be able to read them. PVCs are embedded with chips that contain data and fingerprints of each individual registered voter — which means cloned ones would not work.”…
https://www.thecable.ng/jega-cloned-pvcs-will-not-work/amp , this is the reality and the idea of using the PVC number for election purpose is ruled out.
Measures to attract more enrollments into Imo State Social Security Benefit Scheme:
Having explained the issue of the use of PVC in personal data collection and the fact that the PVC number linked to the Social Security Benefit Number cannot be used for election purpose, enlightenment is very crucial here and must involve all categories of government functionaries and appointees. People are to understand that this project is not a political agenda, it is not a project of any political party, it is a wholesome IMO Project and for Imo people.
Community leaders, President Generals of Town Unions, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders at all levels are expected to join hand with the government to bring this laudable project to fruition. And more importantly time is important, good time is required for sensitization in order to drive home a better enumeration.
…….Julius Otusorochukwu Dike
