IMO NOV GUBER POLL: INEC DECRIES LOW PVC COLLECTION

REPORTER: CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is optimistic that the November 11 governorship election in Imo State will be conducted under improved security atmosphere to enable the people exercise their franchise.

At a news briefing in Owerri, the State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Sylvia Agu, said the commission had continued to receive assurances from engagements it held with various security agencies.

She said preparations were in top gear to ensure that the off-cycle election, which is the first time it is being organized in Imo State, met the expectation of the people.

Professor Agu expressed worry about low turnout in the collection of permanent voter cards (PVCs) especially when the commission had made efforts to reach the owners of the cards directly through their mobile phone lines.

She therefore appealed to owners to visit INEC offices in their local government areas and other designated centres for collection.

The INEC REC, however, noted that people from the troubled Orsu Local Government Area would visit the INEC headquarters in Owerri for collection of the voter cards.

Professor Agu explained that personnel of the commission had been re-trained to equip them for the task ahead, adding that the commission would soon build the capacities of presiding officers and other personnel.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU