By Remi Bamgbose
#Tracknigeria: Residents of Okitipupa Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State on Sunday trooped to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Okitipupa to beat the deadline for collection of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC last week extended the collection of PVCs to Monday, Feb. 11, to ensure the electorate cast their votes on Feb.16 and March 2 general elections.
NAN also reports that the crowd had reported at INEC’s office since 6:00 a.m, to collect their PVCs.
Some residents who spoke with NAN commended INEC’s decision to extend collection of the PVCs, saying that it was a welcome development which would not disenfranchise many people.
They urged INEC staff to redouble their efforts by ensuring that many people receive their PVCs on time.
They also urged INEC to further extend the collection of PVCs to Feb. 14, to ensure that many electorate would have the opportunity to vote the right candidates.
Mr Amos Igbekele commended INEC for the extension of the date of collection of the PVC, noting that it would afford many electorate the opportunity to vote their preferred candidates.
“I commend INEC because the extension is a welcome idea and this has given many electorate the opportunity to perform their civic responsibilities, ‘’ he said.
Mrs Bernice Akinrinade urged the commission to redouble its efforts in giving the PVCs, saying that the operation was too slow.
“I was here yesterday but could not collect my PVC. I came here today as early as 6:00 a.m. because many will be in church but I have yet to collect mine, ‘’ she said.
Mr Jamiu Omopariola urged INEC to further extend the collection date to Feb.14 for more Nigerians to perform their civic responsibilities at the polls.
An INEC official who preferred anonymity, told NAN that many people had been coming to collect their PVCs since last week, saying that the crowd was increasing daily. (NAN).
