From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A total of 245, 195 new persons in Kogi state have been registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for issuance of their permanent voter’s cards that would enable them participate in all future elections in the state.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi state, Professor James Apam who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Lokoja midweek, reiterated the commitment of INEC to enfranchise all eligible voters in the state.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner also hinted that a total of 56, 078 voter’s cards have been issued out leaving a balance of 200, 429 and expressed disappointment over the report at the moment that only 7, 943 cards out of the 112, 333 printed for the state have so far been collected.
Apam further told journalists that the commission has treated 9, 774 applications for transfer and 12, 123 cases of damaged or defaced permanent voters cards (PVCs) as well as issuance of PVCs of those who registered before the 2015 general elections.
He appealed to those who applied for Intra-State transfer and for replacement of damaged or lost cards to be Patience with the commission as effort is on to print the cards for those in that categories.
While calling on those who are yet to collect their PVCs to go to their respective local government areas and do so, Apam affirmed that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise is still ongoing and would continue till 60 days to the 2019 general elections.
He expressed concerned over the security challenges hampering the Continuous Voter Registration in parts of the state citing clashes between the people of Omala, Dekina and Fulani Herdsmen as a case in point.
The REC also cited attacks of warring communities in Bassa and parts of Dekina local government area as another impediment that has disrupted INEC national assignment in the affected zones with a call for government quick intervention to overcome the ugly development.
