Fashola orders investigation into alleged denial of non-indigenes PVCs

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has ordered an investigation into the allegation that non-indigenes in Lagos were being denied their permanent voter cards (PVCs) ahead of the general elections.

There had been rumours that non-indigenes in Lagos were being denied their PVCs by persons engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in what was allegedly intended to give the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) advantage over the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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Olisa Metuh, the PDP national publicity secretary, had made the allegation in a statement he issued on Thursday, February 5, saying “since our alert on Lagos State, we have continued to receive calls and comments from citizens from local governments and wards in APC states confirming that the collaboration between some INEC officials and the APC to shut out non-indigenes in the states, made up mainly of our supporters, is deeper than earlier thought.” But Fashola at the weekend while speaking with State

House reporters, said although his constant interactions with groups of non-indigenes in Lagos did not confirm they were discriminated against in the distribution of the PVCs or denied access to the cards, he has, nevertheless, commissioned an investigation into the allegation. “I will not dismiss any such claim. But we have asked that investigation be conducted to ascertain who they are and the basis for their claim.

Although the fact at the moment does not lend itself to substantiate the allegation we know that not everyone had collected their PVC. It is difficult to state that one ethnic group in the state were denied collecting their PVC,” he said. Meanwhile, the governor has challenged Nigerian leaders to lead by example, noting that the war against corruption would be easier to win if those in leadership positions showed commitment to service delivery and good example by refraining from corrupt practices.