Yoruba Leaders Caution INEC Against Poor Distribution Of Pvcs In The North By Yakubu Busari, Jos
The Chairman Afenifere in 19 Northern states Group has cautioned the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that no Nigerian is disenfranchised now that the collection and distribution of Permanent voters cards (PVC) has been extended to March 22nd, so as not to erode the trust, credibility and good expectation which Nigeria bestowed on the commission.
An official statement issued by the group coordinator for 19 Northern states and FCT ,Chief Toye Ogunshuyi and Secretary General ,Hon Tunde Oladapo said this advice because necessary following reports that of the over 12 million Yoruba resident in the nooks and crannies of northern states only about 78% of the eligible voters have so far collected their PVC, while the balance of 22% are yet to collect ,adding that the Afenifere northern states group would continue to sensitize the Yoruba to perform their civic responsibility in order to enthrone good democracy in the country.
According to him, the two weeks extension which it described “as extra time period” ,INEC should buckle up and mend up all loopholes capable of checkmating all shortcomings, therefore ,urging the commission to decentralized its distribution network and if possible to carry the field mock demonstration of the card reader machines to other states which has not seeing the workability of the machine.
The Afenifere Northern states “like other patriotic citizens of this nation “Yoruba should perform their civic duties and take the PVC collections serious as it serves as gateway to elect party of the choice to govern.
The group advised professor Attahiru Jega to be watchful and careful of some of the commission staff whose actions and behaviors gives the public the feelings that INEC is biased doing the hatchet job for some political parties.
The Afenifere Northern state therefore urged INEC to be sincere in its activities to all Nigerians regardless of tribal, political ,religious and geographical sentiments and find solution to many salient issues confronting the nation.
He emphasized on the finger print are not seen or visible by the card reader machine during the test running exercise last week and must also guide Against possible problem that might crop up during the election proper and put everything in order.
