HURIDE, CUPP ALLEGE INTIMIDATION OF PEOPLE COLLECTING PVC IN EBONYI

Some groups in Ebonyi State have condemned the harassment and intimidation of registered voters on their ways to collect their permanent voters cards (PVCs)
by political thugs.

In a statement, the Ebonyi State Chairman of Human Rights Defenders (HURIDE), Comrade Sampson Oko-Nweke, alleged that they received reports of harassment and intimidation of some persons in Ezza South, Afikpo North, Onicha, Izzi and other local government areas of the State on their way to collect their PVCs.

Comrade Oko-Nweke emphasized that collection of PVCs by registered voters was a civic duty that qualifies citizens to participate in the 2023 general election and therefore should not be hampered under any guide.

Comrade Oko-Nweke charged security agencies in Ebonyi State to protect lawful citizens from such harassments and advised the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to ensure neutrality and efficiency in the distribution of the PVCs by engaging neutral persons in the process.

Also, the Ebonyi State Chairman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Mr. Chinedum Elekwachi had in a statement alleged that the said harassments were targeted at opposition political parties in Ebonyi State.

Mr. Elekwachi called on security agencies to investigate the reports of harassments and warned people to desist from acts capable of jeopardizing the 2023 general election.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU