The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the extension of the collection of Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) by one week.
National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education of the Commission, Mr. Festus Okoye disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday.
He said the exercise has been extended by eight days
According to him,the exercise will now end on Sunday 29th, January 2023 instead of Sunday 22nd, January had earlier announced by the commission.
“The Commission is determined to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming election. For this reason, the timeframe for the collection of PVCs is extended by eight days,” Okoye said in a statement.
“Instead of ending on Sunday 22nd January 2023, the collection of PVCs will continue until Sunday 29th January 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00 am – 3.00 pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays).”
According to him,due to the new development,there was a consequential adjustment of the collection by location as follows:
1 Collection at the Registration Area (Ward) level is extended by one a week from Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd January 2023.
2 Collection at the Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th January 2023.
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“Meanwhile,the Commission is investigating allegations of extortion by at some of collection centres and inducement by some unscrupulous voters to circumvent processes in order to obtain their PVCs. Those found culpable will face disciplinary action and/or prosecution.
“Similarly, the Commission is disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations. This is against the law. All bonafide registrants are entitled to their PVCs and to use them to vote on Election Day in any part of the country where they are registered.
“Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have been directed to ensure that no such practices occur nationwide and take immediate disciplinary action against violators.”
He, however disclosed that,the Commission had printed 13,868,441 PVCs for all new valid registrants as well as applicants for transfer or replacement of card.
“Nevertheless, issuing officers should compile any complaints about non-availability of cards and forward them to their immediate supervisor for the attention of Resident Electoral Commissioners(REC) who shall compile and forward them for neccesary action,” he added