OVER 400,000 PVCS ARE YET TO BE COLLECTED IN IMO—REC

REPORTER: CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to political parties in Imo State to assist the body in sensitizing the people to the need to go and collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs).

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the State, Professor Sylvia Agu, made the call during a meeting with stakeholders in the electoral process in Owerri.

She said that apart from about 300,000 uncollected permanent voter cards arising from previous registrations the state had received more than 85,000 new PVCs and additional 66,000 cards for persons who either transferred or updated their voter cards.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner explained that measures had been taken to ensure seamless distribution of voter cards across the state, noting that the exercise would be extended to the ward levels from 6th to the 15th of January to facilitate the distribution.

Professor Agu assured the determination of the Commission to conduct credible elections in 2023 despite attacks on its facilities in the state.

The Factional Chairman Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state, Chief Uchendu Ahaneku, identified insecurity in the state as a major threat to the election and called on law enforcement agencies to step up their game.

The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Mr. Muhammed Barde, assured the people of the preparedness of security personnel to provide conducive environment during and after the elections.

Traditional rulers, civil society groups and the media also attended the inaugural meeting of the Resident Electoral Commissioner.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU