Bayelsa 2019: INEC to distribute over 49,000 PVCs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it has concluded plans to distribute over 49, 000 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in order not to disfranchise people from voting in the Bayelsa gubernatorial poll fixed for Nov 16.

Mr Monday Udoh, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commission (REC) in Bayelsa State revealed this in Yenagoa on Tuesday during an Election Stakeholders Forum on modalities for collection of PVCs by the Commission.

Udoh, represented by Mr Boco Ekong, INEC’s Executive Secretary in the state said the distribution exercise would commence on September 2 across the eight local government areas of the state.

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According to him, the distribution is expected to take place at the Registration Areas (RAs) levels and elapse on September 31.

“The breakdown and the total number of PVCs to distribute in the state is 49, 819. From the local government areas; in Brass, we have 4, 452 cards, Ekeremor, 4, 704, Kolokuma/Opokuma, 2, 718.

“In Nembe, we have 8, 206, Ogbia, 1, 682, Sagbama, 5, 091 cards, Southern-Ijaw, 765 cards and Yenagoa local government area 21, 601 are to be distributed.

“Our staff have been directed to start in teams on September 2 by moving from RA to RAs Monday through Friday. I, therefore, urge all eligible persons, who are yet to collect their PVCs to use the opportunity to collect it,” the REC noted.

Mr Eneyi Zidougha, Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) said the scheduled PVCs distribution was a welcome development.

Zidougha stated the need for stakeholders support to INEC in order to achieve a hitch-free exercise as well as having free and fair elections for the people.