206,407 PVCs uncollected in Gombe
About 44 days to the general elections, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday disclosed that no fewer than 206,407 Permanent Voters Cards are yet to be collected in Gombe State.
Disclosing this during Stakeholders meeting on preparations for the 2023 general elections, Gombe Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Umar Ibrahim, explained that the commission was hopeful of handing the PVCs to its rightful owners before the elections.
According to him, out of 62,799 balance of 2019 PVCs, 5,957 have been collected, adding that 149,565 is remaining from 2022 Continuous Voters Registration with total registration of 246,803.
He revealed that there have been efforts geared towards bringing the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) closer to the people, to encourage collection, stressing its confidence to ensure increased collection.
He said, “The Commission recently devolved the ongoing PVC Collection to Registration Areas from 6th to 15th January, 2023. You will recall that at the commencement of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), Gombe State had a balance of 62,799 PVCs belonging to those who registered before 2019. Out of that number, 5,957 persons have so far collected their PVCs leaving a balance of 56,842 to be collected.
“The State received a total of 246,803 PVCs in 2022 belonging to those who registered newly during the CVR or requested for transfer/update/replacement during the period. Out of this number, 97,238 have collected their PVCs as at 9th January, 2023 leaving a balance of 149,565 to be collected.”
While expressing optimism to free, fair, credible, peaceful, all-inclusive and accountable elections, Ibrahim urged political parties for collaboration, describing it as product of concerted efforts by all stakeholders. “I urge you to play your role conscientiously and responsibly as patriotic citizens of our dear nation,” he added.
On his part, Commissioner of Police Oqua Etim, expressed optimism that that the general election would be peaceful, urging stakeholders to play their parts.
He said, “Everyone has agreed to credible election. We can’t keep killing, maiming ourselves and I know with this Gombe will be better for it.”
