By Edna Ezinneamaka Onunaku
In order to ensure seamless and hitch-free collection of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this in Statement released on 26th November. This is coming lately after the Register of Voters was displayed for claims and objection nationwide.
Okoye said the SOP will, among other issues, be discussed in a retreat scheduled from 28th Nov to 2 Dec 2022 that will involve all the Resident Electoral Commissions (RECs) from the 36 States and the FCT.
“At the end of the retreat, the Commission will release the date as well the detailed procedure for the immediate collection of PVCs nationwide,” Okoye stated.
While commending the patience and understanding of those who registered as voters or applied for the transfer or replacement of their cards from the beginning of the year, he revealed the case of one Nasiru Idris, who was convicted of the illegal possession of 101 PVCs in Sokoto State and has been sentenced to one year in prison.
“Similarly, the Police in Kano State has arrested a man who was found to be in possession of 367 PVCs. The suspect has been charged to court and the Commission is pursuing the prosecution,” Okoye stated.
He, meanwhile, reiterated the commitment of INEC to continue to pursue all Offenders of the Electoral Act and ensure their diligent prosecution.
