The Nation Newspaper

Tag: PVCs

  • 2019: Many registrants yet to collect their PVCs — INEC chairman

    Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says the commission is worried about the low rate of collection of the newly-printed PVCs of new registrants across the country.

    Yakubu made the remark while responding to questions at the INEC/ Private Sector Forum, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), on Tuesday in Lagos.

    According to him, it is worrisome that over 7 million PVCs from the 2015 General Elections are yet to be claimed but more worrisome is the rate at which newly-registered voters are coming to claim the newly-printed PVCs.

    He said: “We are doing the best we can to ensure that registrants collect their cards but unfortunately many of these cards are still not collected.’’

    On the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, the INEC boss said that 9.7 million Nigerians had so far registered and the number would increase.

    He said that if the figure was added to the existing 69. 7 million registered voters, INEC would have a register of over 80 million in the 2019 General Elections.

    “For transfers, so far, we have 474, 358 requests across all the states of the federation since the commencement of the ongoing CVR on April 27, 2017.

    “For those who applied for transfers, as well as those who registered newly in 2017, we have printed the cards for 2.9 million new registrants.

    “We have delivered them (the PVCs) to the states for collection by those who registered, which include new registrants, those who applied for transfers, as well as those who asked for replacement of cards.

    “For those who registered this year, we are doing the backing and thereafter, we shall print the cards. We will make sure that the cards are available for collection before the general elections.

    “The assurance I am giving on behalf of the commission is that all citizens who have registered in 2017 and those registering in the ongoing CVR in 2018, will get their cards before the 2019 general elections,’’ Yakubu assured.

    According to him, INEC will conduct elections in 119, 973 polling units and 8,809 wards nationwide, saying that it was ordinarily impossible to create additional polling units before the 2019 elections.

    He said that immediately after the 2019 elections, the commission would address issues of creating more polling units, to cater for new settlements.

    The chairman added that INEC would create additional voting points tied to existing polling units, to ease voting.

    Yakubu, who noted that 68 political parties had been registered, said that the figure could rise as the commission was processing more applications of 138 associations seeking registration as political parties.

    On the monitoring of political parties’ campaign finances during elections, Yakubu said that it was difficult to monitor candidates and party expenditures.

    He said that political parties were supposed to report to INEC their expenditures during campaigns six months after the elections, apart from annual auditing of party accounts.

    “But so many have spent perhaps, outside of the provision of the law but not directly linked to the candidates’ expenditures.

    “We have been working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which has built the capacity to track, particularly the big expenditures.

    “We will continue to do all we can to track campaign finances and individual expenditures for the election but it is certainly not an easy thing to do,’’ he said.

    The INEC chairman said that the development marred the 2015 elections where the deployment of money was used to specifically induce some of the commission’s officials before the elections.

    Yakubu said that over 200 staff of the commission had been indicted on the issue, saying that it was the largest number of staff so far indicted in the history of INEC.

  • 563, 051 PVCs collected in Ekiti – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) said on Monday a total of 563, 051 Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) have been collected by registered voters in Ekiti State, 27 days to the governorship election.

    Spokesman of the commission in the state, Taiwo Gbadegesin told newsmen in Ado Ekiti that the state has a total of 913, 334 registered voters.

    He said there were 353, 262 PVCs that were yet to be collected by their owners.

    Read Also: Ekiti 2018: Hold Fayose responsible for latest violence Adeyeye

    On preparations for the election, Gbadegesan said that INEC was 94 percent ready, adding that it had already distributed “virtually” all the non-sensitive election materials to all the 16 Local Governments in the state.

    According to him, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu would visit the state on July 10, to interact with candidates and officials of the 35 political parties as well as other stakeholders participating in the election.

    NAN

  • ‘Collect your PVCs, vote out bad office holders’

    An elder statesman and democrat, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, has called on all Nigerians collect their PVCs from INEC offices in order to vote out non-performing office holders.

    He said this is necessary to put a stop to the hardships some Nigerians are currently going through.

    According to the elder statesman, if political office holders know that with PVCs, Nigerians can vote them out, they will sit up and Nigerians will enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    In a statement in Lagos, Onitiri, a democrat that fought for democracy in Nigeria and who obtained the historic June 12, 1993 judgment that compelled the INEC to hold the election, later annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida, said it became expedient for all and sundry to have their PVCs to use their power to effect changes in governance.

    “Enough of propaganda and lies of the politicians. Nigerians need to vote out all the looters and rascals holding political offices and vote in credible and honest people,” he said.

    Onitiri a seasoned surveyor and valuer, cautioned: “Nigerians must be ready to express their desire for change and insist that their votes count. Power belongs to the people and firmly rests on the voters.

    He also called on INEC to cooperate with the people and ensure that they issue out PVCs  to the people with less stress and hustle.

  • Nigerians urged to get their PVCs

    The Rescue Nigeria Movement (RNM), an advocacy group that stands for social justice and good governance in Nigeria, has urged Nigerians to register and get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) against 2019.

    A statement by its National President, Mr. Ishola Bamidele, said the movement has chosen to continuously educate Nigerians on the need to get their PVCs as the only power to participate actively in the elections.

    According to him, it is only when you register as a voter that you can conveniently use your power to vote in political leaders of your choice.

    Bamidele emphasised that Nigeria is currently at a crossroads, with some leaders who have shown little or no concern about the well-being of ordinary Nigerians. Such leaders, he said, do not deserve to be re-elected.

    He reiterated that the movement will continue to advocate for good governance that will yield the dividends of democracy for the people.

    Bamidele lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption and urged Nigerians to support the government to eradicate corruption.

    The National Publicity Secretary, Afolabi Johnson, said the movement will continue to educate Nigerians on the importance of getting their PVC and standing by their votes.

    He also advised Nigerians to eschew violence and embrace peace, adding that it is only when there is peace that development and progress can thrive in the land.

  • 2019: 2Baba urges youths to get their PVCs

    A Nigerian singer, 2Baba, also known as Innocent Idibia,  has called on Nigerian youths to register for their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), ahead of 2019 general elections.

    He made the call at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Campus Outreach program on `Youth Votes Count,’’ at the University of Abuja, on Thursday.

    Read Also: PVC: INEC receives 4m for newly registered voters

    2Baba, who is also an INEC Youths Ambassador, urged the youth to actively get involved in constructive political discussions, especially social media.

    “Your vote is your bragging right, so get your PVCs, so take your destinies into your hands, whatever you want to be in the next 10 years start now.

    “Let us go out and vote for our conscience. We have always been told that we are the future of Nigeria, it is our time now yet the old is still encroaching into our space.

    “This coming election is our opportunity to change things, your destiny is what you make of it so use it wisely.’’

    Another INEC Ambassador, Mrs Helen Paul, encouraged Nigerian youths to believe in themselves and in their ability to make difference in politics.

    She expressed hope in the leadership of the Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC to deliver credible elections to Nigerians in 2019.

    She urged the youth not to relent but get their PVCs to vote, and be voted to be able to participate fully in the elections.

    Also, Mr Cobhams Asuquo, an INEC Ambassador, urged youths to recognize opportunities at their disposal.

    Asuquo said that the saddest thing that could happen to anybody was not to recognize and use the opportunities at his disposal.

    “Your vote is your right. It is your power, I beg you to choose to exercise that power because it determines what kind of future we will have as a nation.

    “So I am begging you to use your vote wisely and intentionally collect your PVCs and make sure that come 2019, under rain or sunshine, you will come out to vote.’’

    He, however, appealed to INEC to tackle the issue of underage voter before the next general elections, to ensure credible elections.

    NAN

  • Unclaimed PVCs and political apathy

    Universally, democracy is referred to as the government of the people by the people and for the people to emphasise that it is the people that give impetus to democracy. In essence, democracy cannot exist without the people. It is the people that set democracy in motion. It is the people that act as the oil that galvanizes the wheel of democracy. Therefore, democracy cannot thrive where people display an indifferent attitude towards the political process.

    The revelation that there are about 1.4 million unclaimed Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, in Lagos State should undoubtedly get every enthusiast of democratic governance in the state and, indeed, the country concerned. According to reports, Lagos state has the highest number of unclaimed permanent voter cards in the country.

    According to a latest Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, statistics, Lagos has the highest number of (1,401,390) unclaimed PVC followed by Oyo with 647,586 and Edo which had 449,001, while Kano has 195,941. A further breakdown shows that Bauchi State has the least number of uncollected PVCs, with 15,542, followed by Bayelsa and Plateau which have 28,533 and 25,300 PVCs respectively.

    A 2012 INEC data aptly captures the sad trend in the nation’s political process. According to the statistics, only about 35% of the over 70million who registered to vote in the 2011 general elections really participated in voting. This implies that over 65% of registered voters did not partake in the process. This is not good enough as it portends as it has grievous implications on the prospect of democracy in the country.

    For one, it ensures that leaders who attain political power via the votes of the minority rule over the majority. Second, it casts serious aspersion on the kind of democracy we practice .Also, it makes it hypocritical for those who did not turn out to vote to criticize those who were elected through the same process that they shunned. As it is often said, ‘you cannot eat your cake and have it’.

    A lot of arguments have been put forward in defence of those who shun the political process. One of such is that votes don’t usually count in our country. This is anchored on the notion that the outcome of elections is often pre determined. There is, thus, a conviction that the electoral process is a sham. Similarly, many consider the political class undeserving of their votes because of their perceived insincerity to electoral promises. Another factor is what has been termed as the failure of political parties to embrace internal democracy as evidenced in alleged imposition of candidates and other such undemocratic tendencies.

    However, irrespective of the genuineness of the argument, it is not enough for anyone to ignore the electoral process. In any case, when the majority refuse to participate in voting, that does not in any way invalidate the outcome of elections. Sadly, we all suffer the consequences of staying aloof when the wrong people get into power. Active involvement in the political process signifies that everyone is a critical stakeholder, having the best interest of the country at heart. It is a practical demonstration of being a responsible citizen.

    It is, therefore, important that those with the unclaimed PVCs make concerted efforts to collect them at the designated points as directed by INEC.  The worth of the PVC in the current political process cannot be over -emphasised. For one, it offers electorates the right to have a say in deciding those who would rule over them.  Possession of this all important item, thus, puts an enormous responsibility on the electorate. It places the destiny of the state right in their hands. It is such an enormous responsibility that must be carried out with every sense of honour, dignity and patriotism. It is a sacred task that must be performed with utmost diligence and patriotism. This is because any slipshod choice that is made in the coming polls could portend great danger to the lives of generations yet unborn. It could jeopardize the future of the country.

    The destiny of this nation and that of future generations of Nigerians lies in the hands of the electorates. Whichever path the country would follow in the coming years would, thus, be a clear manifestation of the kind of choice electorates make. For our hues and cries over bad governance and poor leadership, we won’t be able to actually absolve ourselves of complicity if we disregard our civic duties.

    Unlike other forms of government, the beauty of democracy lies in the ability of the people to have a say in the choice of those who preside over the apparatus of governance. This is the rationale behind the popular affirmation of democracy as the government of the people, for the people and by the people. However, for the people to actually maximize the benefits of democracy, they need to appropriately play their role of selecting leaders of their choice.

    Public security, infrastructure development, the economy and much more are tied to the thumbs of the electorates. If we bungle things again, it would take us another four years or much more to get it right again. This is, therefore, not the time to indulge in undue political apathy.

    If democracy is to truly be the government of the people and for the people, the people must own the process from the beginning to the end. Active involvement in the political process signifies that everyone is a critical stakeholder, having the best interest of the country at heart. It is a practical demonstration of being a responsible citizen.  Therefore, INEC, political parties, the civil society, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders should give greater attention to voters’ education as well as other enlightenment campaigns that could re-enact the confidence of the people in the electoral process.

    It is important to stress that the worst illiterate is the political illiterate who takes no part in political process. Sadly, he doesn’t understand that everything depends on political decision. Ironically, he even prides himself on his political ignorance by openly sticking out his chest that he hates politics. He doesn’t know that from his political apathy comes the prostitute, the abandoned child, the robber and worst of all, corrupt and incompetent public officials. At the slightest chance, he blames the government for every woe in the society but never really sees anything wrong in his own apolitical posture.

    On a final note, it is imperative to stress that elected political leaders at all levels should not take the electorates for granted. It will only amount to sheer treachery for an elected official to ignore his/her electoral promises while in office. Compatriots who ignore all difficulties in order to participate in the political process ought to be given a better deal. Also, the practice of turning elections into a ‘do or die’ affair should be discouraged to give credibility to the electoral process.

    Ogunbiyi is of the Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

  • 2019: Lagos begins massive mobilization of residents for PVCs

    The Lagos State Government on Friday said adequate arrangements have been firmed up to massively mobilize residents for the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to enable them fully participate in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

    Speaking at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Mr. Benjamin Olabinjo said it was important for residents to utilize the opportunity of the ongoing continuous voters’ registration to obtain their PVCs.

    He said:“On the issue of PVC, we are trying our possible best to ensure that we achieve our aim. For instance, as a result of the development we are bringing to all parts of Lagos State, people are now relocating from one part of the State to the other and there is need to also sensitize people in such category to apply for transfer of their PVCs.

    “We are all aware that the governor recently commissioned 21 roads and two bridges in Alimosho and those who hitherto have undeveloped properties in the affected communities but living in Surulere and others areas are now developing their properties and moving back.

    “As we speak, we are working to ensure that people in such category get the transfer of their PVCs as well as those who are yet to register to do so for them to participate in the election,” he said.

    On the activities of his office, Olabinjo said a total of eight bills passed into law by the Lagos State House of Assembly were simplified and translated into Yoruba, Egun and Pidgin languages to facilitate easy understanding and voluntary compliance, while efforts are ngoing to translate additional six new laws.

    He said in the last three years, a total of N254.750million was disbursed to 2,046 beneficiaries genuinely needing financial assistant to handle health challenges, multiple birth and other unforeseen situations including road accidents and fire disasters,  while a total of 119 petitions were successfully resolved arising from complaints from individuals, groups and communities.

    Besides, Olabinjo said his office also embarked on enlightenment programmes to create awareness and mobilize support for government programmes and policies in the areas of housing, wealth creation and employment, disability policy of the State, Ibile Youth Academy, Property Protection Law, Kidnapping Prohibition Law, as well as Environmental Management and Protection Law, among others.

  • INEC to redistribute 1.4m unclaimed PVCs in Lagos

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State on Friday said that it was making plans to redistribute the unclaimed 1.4 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the state.

    Mr Sam Olumekun, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, disclosed this in a telephone interview with our reporter in Lagos.

    “We are actually working out a new strategy,” the INEC boss told NAN, as he explained the commission’s plan to redistribute the permanent voter cards.

    Olumekun, who expressed concerned over the number of uncollected PVCs in Lagos state, urged the owners to go to INEC offices in their local government areas for collection.

    NAN reports that Lagos state has the highest number of unclaimed PVCs in the country.

    INEC had said that it was still in possession of 7,920,129 permanent voter cards yet to be collected from its offices across the nation.

    A breakdown of the uncollected PVCs as at March revealed that Lagos had the highest number of 1,401,390 followed by Oyo with 647,586 and Edo which had 449,001 while Kano had 195,941.

    The figure also showed Bauchi State as having the least number of uncollected PVCs, 15,542, followed by Bayelsa and Plateau which had 28,533 and 25,300 cards respectively.

    NAN

  • ‘INEC may burn unclaimed PVCs’

    Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr Rufus Akeju has said the Independent National Electoral Commission is considering burning unclaimed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the 2019 general election.

    Akeju told reporters yesterday in Akure that the commission had been trying   to reach out to the affected voters  to collect their PVCs.

    He added that the commission may burn the cards or destroy them.

    The REC said the burning process would be made public.

    Akeju said 1,659,186 are eligible voters and 1,288,722 cards had  been distributed, adding that 370,464 are  unclaimed.

    He also said the commission would ensure  a credible election to meet with  global best practices.

    ” We now have new and improve data capturing for moderate and effective capturing.

    “We have introduced additional card readers in case one is malfunctioning in a particular unit,” he said.

    The REC solicited  the support of journalists in the state, saying  they remain  major stakeholders in educating the public.

    He, however,  urged journalists  to report  accurately stories they gather  from INEC offices in the state without  bias.

  • INEC: 215,000 PVCs yet to be collected in Ekiti

    INEC: 215,000 PVCs yet to be collected in Ekiti

    •Commission to prevent underage voting

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti State has expressed concern that over 215,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have not been collected, less than five months to the governorship election.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. AbdulGaniy Raji, broke the news yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, while addressing reporters in his office on preparations for the governorship poll.

    Raji, who spoke through INEC Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Ekiti State, Mr. Taiwo Gbadegesin, expressed worry over apathy among voters to the collection of the PVCs, despite the enlightenment being carried out by the agency.

    The REC said the state government had been partnering traditional rulers, religious organisations, political parties and the media to increase awareness among the electorate.

    He said: “We have done a lot of jingles and we have been working with our outfits in the 16 local government areas for voter education. But despite these efforts, our people seem to be showing apathy.

    “As we speak, we have about 215,000 PVCs with us which are yet to be claimed.

    “We are hopeful that all these will be collected before the election because our aim is to ensure that we have a high turnout during the election, like we witnessed in July 21, 2014.”