Politics
…Yet To Commence PVC Distribution
Three weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),kicked started the second phase of the continues voters registration exercise nationwide, the commission in Rivers State is yet to begin the issuance of permanent voters cards to those who have registered.
The INEC ended the first quarter of the exercise to commence the issuance of permanent voters card from first of August, but three weeks after, the commission is yet to commence its distribution to owners across the 23 local government areas.
The commission in a statement signed by its Administrative Secretary, in the state, Dr Richard Ntui, noted that the printing of the PVC will continue until the end of the second phase.
Speaking to The Tide last Tuesday, in his office in Port Harcourt, the Deputy Director, and Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity, Edwin Enabor, said that the ICT staff of the commission are working hard to ensure that those who have registered in the first phase of the exercise get their PVC before the end of the second phase.
Enabor refused to give exact date for the commencement of the distribution of the PVC, but explained that the commission is working to ensure that all objections and claims of those registered are corrected.
According to him, ‘’the commission is processing the data of those who have registered during the first quarter and would soon commence the distribution of the PVC as earlier promised’’.
When The Tide visited some of the registration centers in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, the registration officers are still registering more persons.
The Tide was hinted that the commission has displayed names and objections for correction but many find it difficult to check.
Sources at the INEC office revealed that they cannot force anybody to verify their details, stressing that after the processing of the data, the commission will commence the issuance and distribution of the PVC to persons.
The Tide also gathered that, the posting of CVR data replica commenced on Wednesday and will run till August 31, 2017, adding that the idea of the posting of the CVR is to ensure that, those who have gone through the claims and objections must ensure that, their data were imputed correctly and effect corrections where necessary before the PVCs are printed.
Amarachi Anene/Sylvester Onyeazor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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