IDPs get voter cards as INEC commences distribution in Borno

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the Borno state, with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), affected by the Boko Haram insurgency also participating in the exercise.

Our correspondent, who visited some areas in Maiduguri metropolis and IDPs camps, reported that the exercise was marred by hitches, including late commencement, insufficient manpower to take care of the large number of people who turned out for the exercise.

Eligible voters who thronged various units to collect their cards were however disappointed as many have not seen their names on the INEC registers.

A resident, Musa Kachalla who spoke to our correspondent complained over the INEC failure to display names of various voters, even after they presented their temporary cards.

He called on the electoral body to expedite action towards ensuring that names of all voters with temporary cards were displayed.

Another resident of Wulari area, Babagana Masa urged INEC to deploy more officials for the exercise in order to ensure quick completion.

However, in his reaction, Senator Mohammed Ndume, representing Borno South commended INEC for the commencement of the exercise.

Ndume made the commendation at a news conference in Maiduguri, saying “I want to commend INEC for embarking on the distribution of the PVCs after so many delays.