Wale Jagun
The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards by the citizenry that concluded the process of registration with the body.
According to a statement released Thursday night by the National Commissioner & Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, the exercise expected to be concluded on Sunday 22nd January 2023 has been extended by one week.
It would continue until Sunday 29th January 2023.
The Commission in the statement said it “is encouraged by the turnout of registered voters and the surge in the number of collected PVCs across the country”.
INEC also disclosed that it has commenced its investigation into the allegation of extortion of prospective voters anxious to pick their PVCs and vowed that those found culpable would be brought to book.
” At its regular meeting held today, Thursday 12th January 2023, the Commission deliberated on a number of issues, including the ongoing collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) nationwide”, the statement said.
“The Commission is encouraged by the turnout of registered voters and the surge in the number of collected PVCs across the country. In some of the States, as many as 100,000 PVCs were collected in the last five days since the devolution to Ward leve, the collection of PVCs will continue until Sunday 29th January 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00am – 3.00pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays)
“As a result of this extension, there is a consequential adjustment of the collection by location as follows:
“Collection at Registration Area (Ward) level is extended by one a week from Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd January 2023.
“Collection at Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th January 2023.
Okoye said the commission is investigating allegations of extortion by officials at some of the collection centres and inducement by some unscrupulous voters to circumvent processes in order to obtain their PVCs.
“Meanwhile, the Commission is investigating allegations of extortion by officials at some of the collection centres and inducement by some unscrupulous voters to circumvent processes in order to obtain their PVCs. Those found culpable will face disciplinary action and/or prosecution.
“Similarly, the Commission is disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations. This is against the law. All bonafide registrants are entitled to their PVCs and to use them to vote on Election Day in any part of the country where they are registered. Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have been directed to ensure that no such practices occur nationwide and take immediate disciplinary action against violators.
He explained that INEC has printed over 13.86 million new PVCs, but advised field officials to immediately notify their respective RECs should it emerge that some cards could not be located.
“For the record, the Commission has printed 13,868,441 PVCs for all new valid registrants as well as applicants for transfer or replacement of cards. Nevertheless, issuing officers should compile any complaints about non-availability of cards and forward them to their immediate supervisors for the attention of Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) who shall compile and forward them for necessary action.
“The Commission once again appreciates the patience and perseverance of citizens as we continue to finetune our process to make the collection of PVCs easier.”
