PVC collection: INEC warns employees against accepting bribes

 BY: News Peddlers 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abia has warned its staff to avoid sharp practices during the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Mr Bamidele Oyetunji, the INEC's Head of Public Affairs Unit in Abia, issued the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aba on Monday.

According to Oyetunji, the commission frowns on receiving or demanding gratification from the public while carrying out their duties.

"Our employees do not need to search the internet for anything.

"All they have to do is hand out voter registration cards.

"Anyone whose card has not been found or who is experiencing difficulties should be given a note to verify online on their own," Oyetunji said.

According to NAN, some Aba residents have accused INEC officials of collecting N500 from prospective voters before issuing them their cards.

Mrs. Ijeoma Bernard stated that she was asked to pay N500 as a "verification fee" before being given her card.

Nwanyioma Enyinnaya also claimed that INEC officials refused to see her because she couldn't pay.

Mrs. Iheanaetu Roseline expressed concern that her card could not be found after all the trouble she went through to register.

According to NAN, residents in Osisioma and Aba North Local Government Areas flocked to collect their cards.

The government of Abia declared Monday and Tuesday public holidays to allow workers to collect their PVCs ahead of the General Elections.