Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is
partnering with the police to nab hoodlums who stole more than 2,045 Permanent
Voters Card (PVCs) from its office in Okobo local council of Akwa Ibom.
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It could be recalled that the INEC office in Okobo was attacked last month during a mob action by angry youths who protested the outcome of
the primaries election conducted by one of the political parties in
the area.
INEC national commissioner supervising Akwa Ibom, Delta and Cross River states, Dr. Mohammed Lecky, disclosed this yesterday at the commission’s office in Uyo during a press briefing to mark the completion of his tour of the state.
Lecky who also assured that the incident would not affect the 2019 elections in the area while the stolen PVCs would not be of any use to those who stole them during the election.
“The PVCs were stolen in Okobo local government area; they were 2,045 PVCs. We have visited the local government and we can a lot of security lapses around the local government office.
“I think it was a mob action which was a consequence of the primaries elections that were taking place at that time and I want to assure you that the police are looking into the matter. These things (PVCs) were stolen from where we kept them for safety.
“Like I have said what they (hoodlums) have done is a nullity because we have a list of everybody; we have their names; we have their pin numbers and we have their pictures on the voters’ register. It is a matter of reproducing the PVCs and making them available.
“But still we have to go after those culprits who were responsible so that we can apprehend them and punish them according to the law.” The National commissioner explained.
He dispelled insinuation that federal might would be used
truncate the credibility of next year’s election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the current leadership of the INEC would not pander to the interest of any political party.
He condemned politicians for kick-starting campaigns before November 18th fixed by the commission saying they have defied INEC’s
regulations.
Also speaking INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr. Mike Igini assured that he would ensure that credible and transparent elections are conducted in Akwa Ibom.
“Under the current leadership under my watch in this state and with our Commissioner of Police, we will maintain absolute, unqualified neutrality to provide a level playing field to leave behind a legacy and electoral process where attitude are shaped.” Igini said.
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