PVC Distribution: Lawmaker Doubts INEC’s Readiness

A Federal lawmaker
representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sekonte Davies, has expressed reservation over challenges confronting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the issuance of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to Rivers people.
Davies, who was fielding questions from newsmen at the Port Harcourt International  Airport, Omagwa, said from all indications, INEC would not be able to address the challenges confronting the commission in the distribution of the PVCs.
According to the lawmaker, “ I don’t  know if   INEC will be able to address the challenges but let us  give them the benefit of doubt. I know that this process was postponed from August to November 7, and now postponed again to ending of the month”.
He lamented the inconveniences caused Rivers people when they came up with seven local government areas and could not deliver any after people had travelled  from far and near to collect the cards.
The lawmaker, however, remarked that the law allows that voters should  have voter’s card at least 30 days  to date of election, adding that Rivers State is among the last states in the distribution of PVCs, yet the  electoral body did not learn from the past experiences.
On the delay in declaration of All Progressives  Congress (APC) governorship aspirants, the lawmaker  said it shows a more organised party, and people who follow laid down  procedure but not desperate for power.
We want to show Nigerians that we are better party, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, presidential aspirants attend each others declaration with their supporters. We want to show Nigerians that politics is not a do or die thing,” Davies stated.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing Okrika/Ogu/Bolo Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Gogo Bright, said despite the postponement, INEC still has some time since elections are in February next year to correct themselves.
Bright said, “we all came home for the PVC and the continuous registration but INEC failed on its  part but if they fail to meet up  we can  use the temporary  voters card, afterall  it was used during  the last  election”.
He agreed with Davies that INEC should be given the benefit of doubt on the new date to conduct  the exercise.
On the controversial delegates congress of the PDP, the federal lawmaker said it was peaceful and well organised, adding that INEC, PDP national headquarters approved of it and blamed  the 16 governorship aspirants for boy-cotting the congress.
He described Chief Ezebunwo Nyeson Wike  as a grassroot politician  who had made  tremendous impact on the political landscape  of the  state.

L-R: Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Godstime Horsfall, Asari-Toru Constituency II; Hon Dr Innocent Barikor, Gokana Constituency, Hon Golden Chairman Etche Constituency I in session, recently.