The collection of Permanent Voter Cards in Akwa Ibom State has drawn criticism from the Independent National Electoral Commission for being too delayed.
The issue was brought up by the INEC National Commissioner, May Mbu, on Tuesday in Uyo during the INEC-Akwa Ibom Stakeholders Forum in advance of the general elections in 2023.
She made a plea to all parties involved, particularly political parties, to help spread the word about the PVC collection effort widely.
Mbu declared, “I am in fact, quite pleased to meet with our stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State for the first time today. With the general elections in 2023 just around the corner, this is a very fortunate time.
“The required election notice has been officially delivered, and operations have started in full swing. The Commission is not pleased with the burning of some of our local government offices in several states, however, since the activities have started in full force since the Commission released the election notice on February 28, 2022.
“As of right now, we are in the crucial phase of carrying out the tasks outlined in the calendar, timetable, and plan of activities for the general elections.
One of the main reasons for this event is to take advantage of the chance to inform everyone in Akwa Ibom State—stakeholders, traditional leaders, security people, lawmakers, intended voters, and so on—about how appallingly slowly PVCs are being collected there.
“We want the information to be disseminated widely by the stakeholders. Everyone has to go pick up their PVCs. To ensure that all registrants receive these PVCs and that no one is left without their right to vote, the Commission is working around the clock.
“I am informed that measures have been taken to guarantee that there is reasonable protection throughout all of our offices in this state, and I thank the various security services in the state for their assistance. However, kindly continue to step up security around our employees and state and local government buildings.
The provision of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, the hiring of ad hoc workers, and the planning for the transportation of personnel and election-related materials are among the other crucial areas where the Commission, for its part, was making solid progress in the run-up to the elections.
Dr. Cyril Omorogbe, the state’s resident electoral commissioner, highlighted in his remarks that the conference gained significance since it allowed the stakeholders to discuss how to hold a free, fair, and credible election in 2023.
However, he gave the populace assurances that the Commission would ensure that no one was denied their right to participate in the collection of PVCs.
