By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Wednesday, lamented over 132, 626 uncollected Permanent Voters' Cards (PVC) in Anambra State.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mrs Queen Elizabeth Agwu, disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting held at their headquarters in Awka, urging the media and others to sensitise populace for collections.
The unclaimed PVC, according to Agwu and 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) electoral officers in the State, include 7009 in Njikoka, Aguata (12675), Idemili North has 16256, Ogbaru (10,755), Anambra East (7,719), Nnewi South LGA (184), and Anambra West (1387) LGAs.
Others were Awka North (1543), Oyi (7282), Onitsha North (9,990), Ihiala (4,058), Nnewi North (8,700), Ekwusigo (3,350), Awka South (4,971), Ayamelum (1,960), Dunukofia (6,222), Onitsha South (12, 274), Idemili South (4,539), Anaocha (885) and Onitsha South (6,566) LGAs.
According to her, the Commission has fixed Monday 12th December, 2022 to Sunday 22nd January 2023 as dates for the collection of PVCs.
"The Commission has fixed Monday 12th December 2022 to Sunday 22nd January 2023 as dates for the collection of PVCs. It also resolved to devolve PVC collection to ward/registration areas from Friday 6th to Saturday 15th January 2023; when the exercise will revert to our LG offices.
"It is the wish of the commission to continue to pursue all violator of the electoral act to ensure their prosecution. INEC has started the dispatch of non-sensitive materials to states. A proactive arrangement is already in place for hitch-free distribution and deployment of election officials and materials to our various LGA offices.
Contributing, the Traditional ruler of Enugu Ukwu, His Royal Highness Igwe Ralph Akpe and Mr. Oche Godwin, sought synergy with all stakeholders to educate and get the populace knowledgeable so as to participate fully on the forthcoming election.