PVC Collection: INEC Cautions Staff Against Criminal Involvements

In Abia, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned its employees to avoid shady practices when distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The warning was given in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Aba by Mr. Bamidele Oyetunji, Head of the INEC’s Public Affairs Unit in Abia.

According to Oyetunji, the commission disapproves of employees who solicit or demand payment from members of the public while carrying out their jobs.

“Our employees don’t need to look anything up on the internet,”

They only need to hand out the voter cards to the electorate.

According to Oyetunji, “Anyone whose card is not located or those with issues should be provided a notice to verify online independently.”

Some Aba residents, according to NAN, have accused some INEC workers of requesting N500 from potential voters before handing them their identification cards.

Before receiving her card, a resident of the area , Mrs. Ijeoma Bernard claimed she had to pay a “verification charge” of N500.

Another Nwanyioma Enyinnaya added that the INEC representatives declined to help her since she could not pay.

After the difficulty she experienced in registering, Mrs. Iheanaetu Roseline voiced concern that her card would not be found.

According to NAN, residents gathered in great numbers at the Osisioma and Aba North Local Government Areas to pick up their cards.

To assist individuals in their quest to pick up their PVCs, the state government had declared Monday and Tuesday work-free days to help folks who needed to do so.