INEC begins distribution of PVCs in Abia

INEC on Monday commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to eligible voters in Abia.

The News Agency of Nigeria monitored the exercise at the commission’s office in Umuahia North Local Government Area (LGA).

It recorded impressive turn out of people, who were desirous to collect their cards.

A cross-section of the people, who collected theirs, lauded INEC for working according to its time table.

Those who registered earlier as well others that applied for transfer got theirs.

However, those who registered late were advised to wait for their cards to be ready.

A prospective voter, Mr Uche Okoro, said: “They asked me to come back later in the week because my own was not ready.

“The exercise is okay but INEC needs more hands to quicken the distribution process,” Okoro said.

Also, Mrs Anayochi Madubuike said: “It was a bit difficult for me and others that came with me.

“But in all, we thank God that we got ours eventually.”

An official of the commission, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that INEC made adequate preparation for a seamless exercise.

The official said: “We have 12 collection points for the 12 wards in this LGA and people are coming up in their numbers.

“For now, we are only attending to those who applied for transfer, not fresh registration.

“So, when they come, we explain to them but some of them are not happy about the development.

“We assured them that everybody will get their PVCs and I’m very optimistic that other PVCs will be here before Friday.”

The commission’s Public Relations Officer in Abia, Mr Bamidele Oyetunji, told NAN that the commission was poised to ensure that everybody that registered or applied for transfer got their PVCs.

Oyetunji said: “As I’m talking to you now, we are expecting another consignment of PVCs from Abuja.

“They should cooperate with us.

“We are just beginning and we will do the needful because it’s their right, it’s their property.”

He advised the people to go for their PVCs at INEC offices in their LGAs where they hoped to vote during the polls.