Attahiru Madami, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Resident Commissioner in Kwara State, has disclosed that the commission recorded 82 percent success in the collection of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in the state.
Madami made this known on Friday in Ilorin while addressing the press on the preparation for the election.
He said that the total number of 1, 407, 400 people registered for the PVC in Kwara.
According to the REC, as at the close of PVC collection on Mon, Feb 11, 2019, a total of 1, 149, 969 PVCs have been collected by their owners in the state.
He gave the number of uncollected PVCs as 257, 431, adding that the uncollected PVCs have been taken to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) safe keep.
“I can state categorically that Ballot papers have been dispatched in the full glare of political parties and gentle men of the press by 100 per cent to all the local government area offices.
“For this election more than ever before, the state office has carried out voter education and enlightenment campaigns along with relevant agencies to all nooks and crannies of the state.
“A total of 2, 887 smart card readers have been upgraded, fully charged and deployed to the fields with necessary contingency,” the REC added.
Attahiru-Madami said that a total of 11, 992 ad hoc staff have been trained and deployed to their places of assignment.
“All materials sensitive and non sensitive have been dispatched to all the local government area offices.
“Motor bikes and boats requirements for difficult terrains have been adequately met, Conveyance of men and materials have commenced with no hitch,” he added.
According to the REC, over 106 journalists have been accredited out of over 200 that applied to cover the election in the state, while a total number of 1, 827 local and international observers were accredited.
“By and large therefore, I can say without mincing words that we are ready for the elections.
“I therefore use this medium to call on all eligible voters to turn out en masse to cast their vote without any fear of intimidation.
“The security agencies that have also been adequately trained, have promise they will keep the voting area safe,” Attahiru-Madami said.
He appealed to all political actors to play the game according to the rule.
“Politicians should know that there are dos and don’ts which must be religiously observed as the law will catch up with anyone trying to flout the laws,” the REC added.
