INEC tasks stakeholders on collection of PVCs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders in Akwa Ibom to sensitise residents on the need to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs), ahead of the 2023 general elections.

INEC National Commissioner, Mrs May Mbu, stated this in Uyo on Tuesday during the INEC-Akwa Ibom Stakeholders’ Forum, preparatory to the 2023 general elections.

Mbu, who noted that the rate of PVC collection in the state was ‘abysmally slow’, appealed to all the stakeholders, especially political parties, to spread the information on PVC collection to the people.

“I am indeed very delighted today to meet with our stakeholders in Akwa Ibom for the first time. This is a very auspicious time, considering the proximity of 2023 general elections.

“The statutory notice of the elections has been duly given and activities have begun in full force, although the commission is not happy with the burning of some of our local government offices in some states.

“Since the commission published the notice of elections on Feb. 28, activities have commenced in full force.

“Already, we are at the most critical stage in the implementation of the activities in the timeline, timetable and schedule for the general elections.

“One major reason for this occasion is to use the opportunity to tell stakeholders, traditional rulers, security personnel, politicians, intended voters and indeed, everyone in Akwa Ibom that the pace of collection of PVCs is abysmally slow.

“We want stakeholders to take up the responsibility of spreading the information far and wide. Everyone must go to collect their PVCs.

“The commission is working round the clock to make sure that these PVCs get to every registrant so that no one will be disenfranchised.

“I’m made to understand that steps have been taken to ensure that there is reasonable security across our offices in this state and I thank the various security agencies in the state for this.

“However, please do not relent in re-enforcing the security around our personnel, state and local government offices,” she said.

Mbu said that INEC, on its own part, was making steady progress in other critical areas in preparation for the elections.

He highlighted the areas to include: provision of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, recruitment of ad hoc staffers as well as planning for movement of personnel and materials for the elections.

Earlier in his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Cyril Omorogbe, said the forum would afford the stakeholders the opportunity to exchange ideas on how to achieve free, fair and credible elections in 2023.

Omorogbe assured people of the state that the commission would ensure that no one was disenfranchised as far as the collection of PVCs was concerned in the state.