Edo REC laments 460,000 unclaimed PVCs

Prof Mahmood Yakubu

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Prof Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for Edo State, Obo Effanga, has expressed worry over the high number of unclaimed Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs by eligible voters in the State, put at 460,000.

Effanga, who was recently deployed to the State, raised the alarm Tuesday, when he paid a working visit to the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Benin, disclosed that over 460,000 PVCs were yet to be collected in Edo State as at 2016, while 41,858 were newly registered as at 2017.

He disclosed that 3,690 PVCs had been collected, while there were 423 card transfer cases, 4,527 lost cases and 1,476 defaced cards.

He, however, added that efforts would be intensified to ensure that the cards were collected by their owners.

“Supposing election is to be conducted today, how many of us will be able to vote? Many of us have not received our voter cards​. It is important for you to be aware and others through you because of what we are doing.

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“We want those who have registered to go and collect their PVCs. It is important for those who have their PVCs missing or information not correct to take advantage of this opportunity created by the commission. We thought this information is important to be passed across,” Effanga said.

The REC also maintained that there was move by the commission to add more registration centres to ease the stress of would-be registered voters as the commission had earlier deemed it necessary to create ten registration centres in the state.

“As we progress towards the election, our plans is to open more registration centres at least each in every Local Government Council,” he said.

He further said that the commission would continue to partner the media, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other agencies to further rekindle the hope reposed on it by the public.

“We will reach out to traditional and religious institution for further sensitization of our activities as everyone needs to be carried along most especially those who have attained the voting age,” he said.

On his part, Chairman, NUJ, Sir Rowland Osakue who received the Resident Electoral Commissioner and other members of the commission reassured them of the willingness of the Council to give its support when necessary, noting that “the continuous voters exercise is very important as that is the only way for voters to allow or reject those who want to lead them”.

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