Don’t disenfranchise Rivers electorate, Amaechi tells INEC

The Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission not to disenfranchise any eligible voter in the state.Amaechi gave the warning during a state-wide broadcast on Friday, when INEC began the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards in the state.In addition, Amaechi urged eligible voters in the state to get their cards during the three-day exercise, describing votes as the people’s voice in a democracy.The governor also appealed to INEC to ensure a hitch-free distribution of PVCs, adding that eligible voters should not be denied registration.He, however, stated that despite the challenges experienced by INEC, the people should not relent in participating in the exercise.He said, “In spite of the various challenges experienced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, we urge our citizens not to relent in participating in the exercise.“It is our hope that the electoral body will do all that is necessary to ensure a hitch-free exercise in the state and that no eligible voter is denied his card or registration.Meanwhile, the distribution of PVCs started late in most parts of Port Harcourt, the state capital, as INEC officials did not arrive at their booths on time.However, the waiting crowd reduced in number shortly after the arrival of the INEC officials as the issuance of the items was swift.One of the INEC officials at Saint Paul’s State School, Port Harcourt, said they started work late because they needed to take inventory of the number of PVCs in their custody before moving to the various points of delivery.