Electoral body decries low PVC collection in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) has decried the low
collection of Permanent Voter Cards
(PVCs) by residents of Bwari Area Council
of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
Abuja.
INEC officials expressed their displeasure in
separate interview with the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) at designated PVCs distribution
centres in Bwari on Sunday.
Mrs Chioma Ebere, a Principal Admin Officer
with INEC, told NAN that the poor turnout could
cause voter apathy.
Ebere said in spite of the voter education by the
commission ahead of the council polls slated
for March 19 the residents failed to turnout.
She decried the poor turnout, noting that the
PVC was the only thing that could guarantee
them to exercise their franchise to candidates
of their choice.
``We have done our own part by carrying out
voter education to create relevant awareness.
``We have announced several times that the
first three days of distribution and collection of
PVCs will start at the various polling units.
``Subsequently, the fourth day will hold at the
registration area or ward levels. So, they already
know, we have even communicated through
radio jingles and town criers.
``Although the exercise will end at the ward
level on Thursday, March 10, I expect people to
be more concerned about collection of their
cards to ensure their right to vote,’’ she said.
Mr Victor Ejale , an adhoc staff with INEC
charged with distribution of PVCs, told NAN that
the poor turnout of residents could be attributed
to poor awareness creation.
Ejale, who is the National Youth Service Corp
(NYSC) Liaison Officer of Bwari, attributed the
poor turnout to failure of community leaders to
sensitise their subjects.
According to him, I observed the low turnout
since Friday, it is caused by poor sensitisation
by the council authorities, traditional rulers and
political party stakeholders of the communities.
``Only 26 people have registered to collect their
cards since March 4.
``It is disappointing, we urge the various party
stalwarts, particularly chairmanship candidates
to sensitise people more on the need to collect
their cards, to promote democratic growth.’’
Ejale said.
NAN reports that the distribution and collection
of the PVCs in the FCT commenced on March 4
at polling units.
The exercise continues from March 7 to March
10 at the ward levels, while from March 14 to
March 16, it will continue at INEC area council
offices between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
NAN reports that the distribution of the PVCs
was being carried out by members of the NYSC
at the various centres.