Politics

INEC Deploys IVED Machines Across Oyo

By Web News 318

By Mosope Kehinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over the staggering number of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs in Oyo State, warning that the development threatens democratic participation

.Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Professor Adeniran Tella, disclosed that no fewer than 515,254 PVCs remain unclaimed across Oyo State, describing the figure as deeply concerning.

Prof. Tella made the disclosure in Oyo town during a Voter Education and Enlightenment Programme organised as part of the sensitisation campaign for the ongoing second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

Breaking down the figures, he revealed that 44,742 PVCs remain uncollected in four local government areas within Oyo Zone alone.

Atiba leads with 16,528 cards, followed by Oyo East with 11,599, Oyo West with 9,305, and Afijio with 7,310—representing 8.7 per cent of the total uncollected PVCs in the state.

To tackle accessibility challenges, Prof. Tella announced that INEC has deployed and commenced the rotation of its Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) machines across all 351 registration areas in Oyo State.

He said the machines began operation on February 9 and will run for 50 days, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding weekends and public holidays, before suspension on April 10, 2026.

The REC explained that the CVR exercise targets Nigerians who have just turned 18, those who have never registered, individuals seeking transfer of voting location, and citizens with lost or damaged PVCs.

While urging eligible residents to take advantage of the exercise, Prof. Tella stressed that registration alone is not enough without collecting the PVC, which remains the ultimate instrument for exercising the right to vote.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, artisans, traders, religious leaders, youth and women groups, security agencies, and political stakeholders attended the event, which focused on mobilising citizens to play their part in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

Follow us on Telegram and YouTube, and join our WhatsApp Update Group for more news updates.

Politics

Over 240,000 voter cards uncollected in Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa – INEC

By Web News 344

Over 241, 715 Permanent Voter Cards, PVC, have yet to be collected by the voters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States two weeks to the October 9, 2023 deadline issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the collection of the cards ahead of the November 11 off-cycle governorship polls in the three States.

While 107,715 voter cards were awaiting collection in Kogi, no fewer than 134,000 had yet to be claimed by prospective voters in Imo State. However, the figure of unclaimed PVCs cards in Bayelsa State was unavailable.

The electoral commission has, however, said it will not extend the PVCs collection in the States and admonished registered voters not to delay in picking up their cards.

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi and the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Gabriel Longpet, both affirmed in separate interviews that there was no going back on the October 9 d deadline.

They cautioned the concerned electorate against waiting till the last minute to collect their PVCs.

The INEC had fixed the governorship elections in the three States to November 11 in which 18 parties are fielding candidates.

At its regular meeting held on June 6, the commission approved the final list of candidates for the three off-cycle governorship elections and also uploaded it to its website and social media platforms.

The Kogi State REC, Longpet, also echoed Oyekanmi, stating that there would not be an extension of the time earlier scheduled for the collection of the voter cards.

“There will not be any extension of time as we had said that the collection is for four weeks since it is not a nationwide exercise and these are remnants of the cards previously provided for collection,’’ he explained.

On the number of the PVCs collected so far collected, the REC said, “From the daily reports sent to me, so far, 11,307 PVCs have been collected up to the 21st September, out of a total number of 119,022.We have two weeks to go.

“We have been broadcasting and urging people in the various local languages to go out and collect their PVCs. We have translated the jingles in Ebira, Igala, Okun, Nupe, and Hausa, in addition to English.”

Speaking on the situation in Imo State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Sylvia Agu, disclosed that INEC resumed the issuance of PVCs for the election on September 11 and that the exercise would continue till October 9.

“INEC still has about 134,000 uncollected PVCs in Imo piled in the 27 local government council secretariats of the State.

“I urge Imo residents to collect their PVCs at the INEC offices in their council areas, while those in Orlu Local Government Area should collect theirs at the State office in Owerri.

“Apart from the 27 local government area offices, INEC has also created some centres for PVC collection for Registration Areas that have more than 1,000 uncollected PVCs. Remember that PVCs cannot be collected by proxy and they must be exchanged with the Temporary Voter Cards,’’ she stated.

“INEC has gone a step further to gather the phone numbers of owners of uncollected PVCs in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi to send bulk SMS to them,’’ Agu added, assuring that the commission was fully prepared for the election.

She revealed that all non-sensitive materials had been received and would be distributed to the various Local Government areas appropriately. The commission’s Head of Department, Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity in Bayelsa, Mr Wilfred Ifogah, said the uncollected PVCs in its Yenagoa office were from the previous exercise.

He said people currently collecting their PVCs included those who registered newly, those who could not pick up their PVCs after they transferred their PVCs, and those who lost their voter cards.

Ifogah said, “When you talk about collected and uncollected PVCs in the State, why I don’t want to give those figures is that it won’t add up to anything because what we have are uncollected PVCs from the previous exercise. It’s not like they brought anything new.

‘’Moreso, the PVCs are not just for people who registered newly but it has to do with both those who registered newly and unable to pick them and those who requested for a reprint of their PVCs, and those who did transfer whose cards have come in.

“So, from the overall statistics, if we really want to know those who have collected, we have to wait for the end of the exercise to know those that have collected, who registered newly.

“’But right now, everyone picking involves those who registered newly, those who were unable to pick up their own when they did transfer and those who lost their PVCs. Right now, I don’t have an idea of the total uncollected PVCs.”

He, however, added that the commission would not extend the October 9 deadline for registration and collection of PVCs.

Punch /Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

INEC to Contest Verdict Allowing use of TVCs

By Web News 466

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, says it will appeal a court judgement granting two plaintiffs the request to use their temporary voter cards TVCs.

This is contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi.

He noted the Commission will approach the Appellate court on the matter.

INEC had insisted that only registered voters who presented their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, at their respective polling units would be allowed to vote during elections.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu had given the order allowing the use of TVCs while delivering judgement in a suit filed by two Nigerians seeking the use of temporary voter cards in the general elections in the absence of permanent voter cards.

Justice Egwuatu said the order was made on the grounds that the plaintiffs were duly registered and captured in INEC’S database.

The electoral body had on Thursday, announced the postponement of the governorship and states’ Houses of Assembly elections to March 18.

Adeniyi Bakare

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

INEC Extends Collection of PVC Again

By Web News 442

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to February 5, 2023.

INEC earlier extended the deadline for the collection of PVCs but a National Commissioner with the electoral umpire Festus Okoye said the time frame has been pushed forward by one week.

He said the move followed a meeting of INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

“Arising from reports from the various States and discussions with Resident Electoral Commissioners, the Commission has decided to further extend PVC collection in all its Local Government Offices nationwide by an additional one week. The ongoing collection of PVCs nationwide will therefore continue and end on 5th February 2023,” Okoye said in a statement on Saturday.

“This is the second time the Commission is extending PVC collection nationwide and this will be the last extension of the exercise. The collection period has further been extended by an additional two hours and will start at 9 am and end at 5 pm daily including Saturdays and Sundays.”

Channelstv/ Titilayo Kupoliyi

Politics

Tuesday is Work-Free for PVC Collection in Ondo, Ekiti

By Web News 470

Ondo State Government has declared Tuesday, 24th January 2023 Work-Free Day. 

A release from the governor’s chief Press secretary Richard Olatunde says this is to enable all eligible voters in the state to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) designated centres. 

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in the statement urges all civil servants, private workers, artisans, and other residents of the state, who are eligible voters, to make use of the opportunity and collect their PVCs so as to enable them to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming elections.

Also, Ekiti State Governor,  Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has declared Tuesday, January 24, 2023 a work- free day in the State.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode who announced this in a statement in Ado Ekiti, said this would enable workers and other eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voters Cards at INEC designated centres.

The Governor urged all eligible voters to take advantage of the holiday to collect their PVC which is their licence to participate in the forth coming general election.

Isaac Afolabi/Amos Ogunrinde

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

PVC Extension: Olubadan Pats INEC on the Back

By Web News 546

*Calls for Credible Polls

The Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its decision to extend the collection of Permanent Voter’s Cards by eligible Nigerians by one week.

The monarch while lauding the electoral umpire also used the occasion to charge Nigerians yet to collect their cards to take the advantage of the extension.

Oba Balogun, in a press statement made available to journalists in Ibadan by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola spoke in his Alarere residence while hosting the new Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Dr. Rahmon Tella Adeniran.

The monarch said the decision to extend the collection of the PVC by Nigerians of voting age was a welcomed development and in the interest of Nigerians.

 He said, “I want to commend you people for the great job you are doing. Whoever witnessed ‘operation wet e’ of the first republic and the horrendous reactions that trailed 1983 general election, especially in this part of the country would appreciate your activities in INEC since 1999 when this experience began.

“It is a known fact that each election since 1999 has always been an improvement over the previous one. I want to charge you to ensure the one being looked forward to in a couple of week’s time is also better than what we had in 2019. It is gratifying to note that Nigerians are coming to terms with the ideals of democracy and it behoves all of us stakeholders to ensure that we contribute into efforts to deepen the system.”

“On our part in the traditional institution, I promise to reach out to all our people, through my members of the Advisory Council, the Mogajis and Baales towards sensitizing our people on the importance of the PVC’s collection and usage when the time comes. I implore you too to do your bits and with our combined efforts, Nigeria would surely come out better and greater after the elections”, Olubadan stated. 

In his homage, the new Oyo REC said “it is the tradition of the INEC helmsmen to pay homage to the traditional father’s in their respective domains as soon as they are posted. It is keeping the tradition that he has decided to come to the palace. In addition to that, his upbringing as an Osogbo Prince bestows it upon him to understand and appreciate the sacred positions our Obas hold. “

He remarked that the Obas own the towns and the people, which is why they are seen as part of the critical stakeholders in driving the cause of credible electoral process.

Dr. Adeniran used the occasion to enjoin the monarch to help reach out to his subjects in the state on the need to collect their PVCs, noting that “the essence of voter’s registration is defeated if the enabling material to cast votes on elections day (PVC) is allowed to waste away in the custody of the electoral body. 

INEC, which had earlier given 22nd of this month as the deadline for the collection of the PVCs in large numbers in its custody, announced a week extension on Thursday with 29th of this month as the new deadline, less than four weeks to the presidential election slated for 25th February.

Dayo Adu

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

INEC Tasks Oyo Electorate on PVC Collection, Says Deadline Extended

By Web News 415

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Oyo State has announced the extension of the Collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in all the 351 Registration Areas/ Ward Collation Centers of INEC 33 Local Government Area Offices, as part of preparations towards the forthcoming General Election in the state.

In a statement, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Adeniran Tella, noted that the exercise which had commenced on Friday 6th January 2023 had now been extended by eight days, saying that the initial ending date of Sunday 15th January 2023 at the Registration Area/Ward Collation Centers would continue until Sunday 22nd January 2023.  

Dr. Tella stated further that the exercise is for all eligible valid registrants, those that applied for replacement of lost, damage or defaced PVCs and those that registered prior to the 2019 General Election and are yet to collect their cards. 

He mentioned that the exercise was from 9 am to 3 pm daily Saturdays and Sundays inclusive.

The REC informed that collection of PVCs would revert to all the 33 INEC Local Government Area Offices from Monday 23rd January and end on Sunday 29th January 2023 with the same timing as mentioned above.  

He, however, implored the electorate to make good use of the exercise as collection would not be by proxy adding that, the Commission had also received another batch of newly printed PVCs in the State. 

Mosope Kehinde 

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

INEC Sensitizes Nigerians on PVCs Collection

By Web News 584

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has again stressed the need for residents of Ekiti State who are yet to collect their permanent voter’s cards, PVCs, to do so in order to choose leaders of their choice in the forthcoming elections.

Ekiti state INEC Resident Electoral Commission, Professor Ayobami Salami stated this in Ado Ekiti during a road show, put up by the commission in partnership with some relevant organisations to sensitise the people on the need to collect their PVCs.

Professor Salami said the low response of eligible voters to the collection of their PVCs despite various enlightenment programmes necessitated the roadshow to further inform the people to obtain their cards.

According to him, it is only with PVCs that individuals can vote during the polls.

Professor Salami explained that over two hundred thousand have not collected their PVCs, out of the about one million registered voters in Ekiti state.

The roadshow awareness on PVCs collection took the commission to marketplaces, streets and strategic points.

Also, pamphlets were shared to the people, placards with inscriptions like “Vote not fight” were displayed with verbal sensitisation in both English language and Ekiti dialects carried out by participants.

Amos Ogunrinde

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

INEC Affirms Stand on Deadline for PVC Collection

By Web News 1275

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says the deadline for the collection of permanent voters cards, PVC will not exceed the 22nd of January 2023.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Osun State, Doctor Mutiu Agboke stated this in Ilesa while speaking with Radio Nigeria.

Doctor Agboke said the commission was worried over the slow pace of the collection of PVC, noting that over four hundred thousand PVCs were yet to be collected in the state.

Speaking on the rumour making the round that the election was likely to be rigged, Doctor Agboke gave the assurance that the bimodal voter’s accreditation system, BIVAS was a game changer for next year’s general elections, stressing that no one would be able to vote without BIVAS.

Doctor Agboke also advised Nigerians not to allow anyone to induce them with money or materials to vote, saying whoever was caught would be prosecuted and on conviction would be sentenced to two years imprisonment or pay a fine of five hundred thousand or both.

 Folake Oye

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

INEC Decries Low PVC Collection in Osun

By Web News 413

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Osun State, has decried the low turnout of electorates who came for the collection of their Permanent Voter card.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Dr. Mutiu Agboke stated this in an interview with Newsmen during a sensitisation rally around Osogbo, Osun State capital.

Dr. Agboke said out of 408,197 PVC ready for collection, only 1,032 people have collected between December 12th and 16th, describing it as unsatisfactory.

He explained that INEC decided to meet with the people to sensitise them on why they needed to collect their PVC so that they could participate in the forthcoming election.

In the preparation of INEC for the 2023 election, the INEC Resident Commissioner said the state office had taken delivery of 5,306 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, that would be used on Election Day.

Dr. Agboke, while urging the electorates not to sell their PVC to politicians, advised those who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter Card, PVC, to do so as anyone without PVC would not be allowed to vote during the election.

Funmi Adekoya

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

Police Apprehend 2 in Possession of 468 PVCs

By Web News 387

The Police have arrested two persons in possession of 468 Permanent Voter Cards.

This was made known in a statement signed by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, on Sunday.

According to the statement, the offenders; Nasiru Idris, was found with 101 PVCs in Sokoto State, and another (name not mentioned) was caught with 367 PVCs in Kano State.

Okoye stated that their offence was in contravention of Sections 117 and 145 of the Electoral Act 2022.

The statement added that the offenders were currently receiving their due punishment.

The statement read, “In the last couple of weeks, the Nigeria Police has arrested some individuals found to be in illegal possession of voter cards in some States of the Federation.

“In one case, the Police have concluded investigations and handed over the case file to the Commission, resulting in the successful prosecution of one Nasiru Idris at a Magistrate Court in Sokoto who was found to be in possession of 101 PVCs in contravention of Sections 117 and 145 of the Electoral Act 2022. He has been sentenced to a year in prison.

 “Similarly, the Police in Kano State have arrested a man who was found to be in possession of 367 PVCs. The suspect has been charged to court and the Commission is pursuing his prosecution.

“The Commission wishes to reiterate that it will continue to pursue all violators of the Electoral Act and ensure their diligent prosecution.”

Giving an update on the PVC collection, the commissioner explained, “Following the end of the statutory period for the display of the register of voters for claims and objections, the Commission is determined to make the collection of PVCs as seamless as possible.

“A standard operating procedure has been developed. This will be among the issues to be discussed and finalised at a retreat holding in Lagos from 28th November to 2nd December 2022 involving all the Resident Electoral Commissioners.

“At the end of the retreat, the Commission will release the dates as well as the detailed procedure for the immediate collection of PVCs nationwide.

“The Commission appreciates the patience and understanding of Nigerians, especially those who registered as voters or applied for transfer/replacement of their cards from January to July 2022. In making the cards available for collection, the Commission is also working to ensure that the process is hitch-free.”

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

Make PVC Collection Less Cumbersome – Ogun Residents

By Web News 611

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has been urged to make the procedure for the collection of Permanent Voter’s Cards, PVCs, less cumbersome through the use of technology. 

Some residents of Ogun State, who spoke with Radio Nigeria, advocated the need for a database of all printed PVCs as well as the possible pick-up points to be made available online to make it accessible to the people. 

The residents expressed optimism that the measure would encourage more people to collect their PVCs and help to reduce the long hours spent by both INEC officials and registered voters to sort through large collections of cards abandoned at the local government headquarters of the commission. 

In a reaction, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Niyi Ijalaye, who appealed to those yet to collect their PVCs, to visit INEC offices in their areas, said the commission was committed to making the process more convenient for the registered voters. 

Mr Ijalaye, who announced that those who were registered in July 2022, would be able to get their PVCs before the end of November, reminded Nigerians that PVC remained the major requirement for them to vote during the 2023 general elections.

Adebola Ajayi 

Subscribe to our Telegram channel

 

 

Politics

Governor Abiodun Declares Another Work-Free Day for PVCs Registration

By Web News 485

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has declared Friday a work free day for Permanent Voters Cards registration in the state.

This is the second time this week that workers in the state will be given holiday to register for their Permanent Voters Cards.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun
said that the public holiday became imperative as a result of large turnout of prospective eligible voters at registration centres across the state.

Governor Abiodun said that the public holiday would give those that could not perfect their permanent voters cards registration another opportunity to do the needful.

While emphasizing that no workers should be disenfranchised on account of being too busy at work, the Governor urged all eligible adults to seize the opportunity of the holiday to go to their different wards and constituencies to get their Permanent Voter Cards.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Insecurity: Seeking external assistance isn’t out of place – Pastor Adio

By Web News 525

The assistance of countries with vast experience in counterterrorism will significantly help Nigeria in tackling terrorism.

Zonal Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God Oyo Province 1, Pastor Abiola Adio made the submission in an interview with Radio Nigeria.

Pastor Adio noted that the increasing rate of insecurity in the country was worrisome as lives were being wasted by criminal elements almost on daily basis, pointing out that seeking external assistance would not be out of place.

The cleric said further that the persistent attacks in the country were evidence of the enormity of the current challenge.

Pastor Adio also used the occasion to advise Nigerians who had not collected their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs to do so as it was a civic responsibility.

Funmilola Obagbayegun

News

Clergymen Urge Worshippers to Collect PVC

By Web News 470

Religion can be used as a tool for nation building rather than promoting religious sentiments to the detriment of national interests.

A cross section of Christian leaders made the submission in Abeokuta while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the essence of the “Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC Sunday”, declared by the leadership of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN.

As preparations for the 2023 general elections gather momentum, there has been an increase in the level of awareness from different quarters, on the need for eligible voters to obtain the Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC, as a prerequisite for participation in the elections.

Clergymen in Ogun State also complied with the directives of the PFN that member churches should give priority to educating the faithful on the patriotic responsibility of obtaining PVC to enable them to vote for credible leaders.

Those who spoke with Radio Nigeria commended the initiative of the Church leaders, describing it as a means of using religion as the tool to strengthen democracy and boost national development.

The Abeokuta District Overseer and Southwest Regional Coordinator of the Foursquare Gospel Church, the Reverend Adedimeji Adegbesan said continuous education and creating awareness among the faithful, that those who had attained the voting age must obtain their PVC was necessary to enable them to exercise their civic responsibilities during elections.

The Reverend Adegbesan explained the operation show your PVCs Initiative was not meant to turn worshippers back from attending service but to encourage more people to obtain their cards.

Also, the pastor in charge of Upper Room temple, Foursquare Gospel church Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, Pastor Ayoyinka Akinyosoye who stressed the need for the faithful to intensify their prayers towards the restoration of peace to the nation said the collection of PVC was essential for every child of God.

Pastor Sunday Aderibigbe of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Southwest region 1 headquarters, Asero Abeokuta, said there was a memo from the national headquarters of the church on the need to constantly remind the faithful to collect their PVCs.

In separate contributions, the Pastor in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Agape mega Parish, Olorunsogo, Abeokuta, Pastor Kazeem Olasupo and venerable Emmanuel Ajayi of the African Church, Solution Camp, Sam Ewang Estate, Abeokuta said the church would not relent in educating the faithful to collect their cards as part of the civic duties.

The religious leaders were also unanimous in their call on Christians to be security conscious while appealing to government at all levels to do more in ensuring the security of lives and property of the people.

Olusegun Folarin

News

2023: “PVC Remains Essential, Get It”- PFN President

By Web News 517

Christians have been enjoined to obtain their Permanent Voters Card PVC ahead of the forthcoming general election to choose credible leaders.

Presiding Bishop of Chrislife Church sword of the spirit Ministries, Francis Wale Òkè, who is also the National President, Penticostal Fellowship of Nigeria stated this in Ibadan in a sermon entitled “Pray and fast, Never give up and choose leaders wisely”.

Bishop Òkè explained that PVC remained the only vital tool in a democracy to choose credible leaders who would have masses at heart .
He, therefore,advised the people on need to get the PVC before 2023 elections.

He urged Christian faithful not to have the mind set that their votes might not count, and but they should also pray,fast, never give up and fight for a better Nigeria.

The Christian Cleric who decried the high rate of killings, kidnappings,rape among other vices in the country prayed God to grant peace and salvation to the Nation

Bishop wale Òkè added that woshipper who failed to bring PVC to the church would not be allowed into the church from next week.

Fasilat Lawal

Crime

3 Injured as Hoodlums Go on Rampage in Ilesa

By Web News 462

Three people were confirmed injured when some suspected hoodlums in some communities in Ilesa West local government area of Osun State stormed venues designated for collection of Permanent Voter Cards and disrupted the exercise on Thursday.

The development created panic in Igbogi, Isokun, Ibala, and all neighbourhoods within Ilesa metropolis, forcing people to stay indoors, as hoodlums wielding dangerous weapons roamed the streets.

A resident of Ibala, who pleaded anonymity, during a chat, told our correspondent that the hoodlums intended to scare people away from centres where PVC were being collected.

It was further learnt those people injured in the fracas, were believed to have sustained the injuries when rival groups of hoodlums involved in the disruption clashed.

Speaking on the incident, the Public Relations Officer of Civil Defence Corps, Osun state Command, Olabisi Atanda, said normalcy had been restored.

She said, “They (the hoodlums) ransacked (PVC collection centres) in Ilesa West and Ilesa West Central. They were in Ward 1, 3, 6 and 7.

“The hoodlums didn’t let people obtain Permanent Voters’ Cards, but the police and the Civil Defence Corps operatives are on top of the situation.When contacted for reaction, Osun INEC Public Relations, Seun Osimosu, said PVC collection was not suspended in the affected areas, but noted that the staff were withdrawn from the affected communities over safety concerns.

She added that the Commission would meet security agents in Ilesa West to address the situation.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Politics

We are Poised for Credible Guber Poll in Ekiti – INEC

By Web News 473

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is ready to conduct a good governorship election in Ekiti State.

During an interview with Newsmen, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said the commission would deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the June 18 election.

Okoye who stated that INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, was already in the south-western state, revealed that stakeholders would sign the peace accord on Wednesday.

“Expect a good (governorship) election in Ekiti State,” he said. “The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission was in Ekiti two weeks ago on readiness assessment.

“We visited five local government areas and all the non-sensitive materials have already been diced in accordance with registration areas. Presently the chairman is in Ekiti State and there is going to be a stakeholders’ engagement today and tomorrow, there will be a signing of the peace accord.”

To avoid glitches in the election, the INEC commissioner said the electoral body conducted a mock accreditation in 12 polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state two weeks ago.

“We are confident that the BVAS will perform optimally. So we expect a very good election in Ekiti on June 18, 2022,” he stated.

Okoye also spoke about the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and the plans by the electoral body for the 2023 general elections.

He stated that INEC would ensure that every Nigerian was registered to participate in next year’s polls, adding that eligible voters who did not get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) before the 2019 elections could do so.

“We want to assure Nigerians that every Nigerian who is desirous of registering will have an opportunity of doing that,” the INEC spokesman said. “INEC chairman has promised that the commission will do whatever it takes and will keep every option open to make sure that all Nigerians can register.”

Reacting to viral videos showing some Nigerians being denied entry into some churches or public places for not having their PVC, Okoye said he will not dabble in religious matters.

He, however, explained that it was the right of every Nigerian to decide whether or not to participate in elections.

ChannelsTV / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Politics

Over 650,000 PVC Obtainable in Ogun – REC

By Web News 940

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Ogun State has called for more commitment to the electoral process among people of the state.

The Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Niyi Ijalaye made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Abeokuta.

Mr Ijalaye said there were more than Six hundred and fifty thousand Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, obtainable across the state, urging political parties, religious and community leaders among other interest groups to rise to the responsibility of mobilizing the people to collect their PVCs. 

Mr Ijalaye said the PVCs of about twenty one thousand eligible voters captured during the first and second quarters of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration exercise had also been printed and ready for collection, with a call on all registered Voters to visit the nearest local Government offices of the INEC to collect the cards. 

He explained that more registration centres were created across polling units and local government areas of the state to enhance registration and revalidation of Voters cards as part of efforts by INEC to conduct credible, fair and inclusive elections for Nigerians.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner while pointing out that registration, once done, remained valid, also advised members of the public to make use of the Commission’s website for further information and online registration with the assurance that the commission would ensure strict adherence to principles.

Modupeola Sobukonla

Religion

Encourage your followers to register for their PVCs – Methodist Prelate

By Web News 691

The Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Kanu-Uche has called on religious leaders not to use force, but rather persuade their eligible followers to register in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, CVR.

Dr. Kanu-Uche stated this while speaking with a Radio Nigeria correspondent in Ibadan. 

He said worshippers must not be threatened in obtaining their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs and appealed to religious leaders not to be fanatical about the things of God. 

Dr. Kanu-Uche equally enjoined Christians to go into active politics.

He urged those in government and the governed to shun social vices that could jeopardize the peaceful coexistence of the nation. 

Dr. Kanu-Uche added that Nigerians should live in harmony regardless of religious and political differences.

Olaolu Fawole

Politics

Voter Registration: INEC Urges Oyo Residents To Take Advantage Of Open Window

By Web News 633

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has urged residents of Oyo State to utilize the window open for registration for voter’s card, PVC.

INEC Resident Electoral Commission in the state, Mr. Mutiu Agboke gave the admonition in an interview with Radio Nigeria Ibadan.

Mr. Agboke explained that the residents of the state had opportunities to register online aside provision for manual registration, pointing out that the process also catered for other categories of registration.

The Oyo INEC REC said while the commission’s platform would facilitate online registration, it was imperative that those who registered online to make themselves available for capturing.

Mr. Agboke said the commission was engaging with all relevant stakeholders including political parties to ensure it delivers on its mandate to Nigerians.

Simeon Ugbodovon

Lifestyle

Get your PVCs to elect credible and caring leaders – Ogun Baptist President

By Web News 1012

Nigerians have been encouraged to participate actively in the ongoing voters registration exercise to enable them to elect people of integrity that will show commitment to selfless service for the society. 

The president, Ogun Baptist Conference, the Reverend Wale Oyeniyi gave the charge at a press conference in Abeokuta organized to usher in the 44th edition of conference in session.

The Reverend Oyeniyi noted that the country needed inputs and contributions of fresh and dedicated individuals to move country forward, hence the need for more Nigerians to equip themselves with their Permanent Voter’s Cards ahead of the 2023 general elections in the country. 

The Ogun Baptist Conference President also urged the National Assembly to accurately reflect the yearnings of Nigerians to achieve free, fair and credible elections in their deliberations on the ongoing electoral amendments. 

He called on the National Assembly to make provisions for the acceptance of electronic transfer of elections results, which he said would promote the credibility of the polls.

The Reverend Oyeniyi said the 44th Edition of conference in session would be held at Baptist Boys High school Multipurpose Hall Saje, Abeokuta between Saturday, 7th and August Wednesday 11th August, 2021. 

He gave the theme of the conference in session as “Christians Character: Running the Race with Endurance”. 

Oluwatoyin Adegoke