CSO Tasks INEC to Engage Citizens to Collect PVCs in Kogi

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State , Civil society organisation (CSO) the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to  as a matter of urgency engage citizens on where, when and how to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs)

This was contained in a communique signed by the Executive Director, CHRCR, Comrade Idris  Miliki Abdul at the end of one -day multi- stakeholders engagement for Kogi East, copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

The communique stressed the need for women groups to engage the participating political parties and their candidates on issues around women participation in the political process and leadership.

“There is the need for participating political parties to join the legal campaign to reverse the restriction on posting of campaign materials such as bill boards and posters.

“There is need to improve the constant capacity and awareness of citizens on their roles and responsibilities in the Accountability and Anti-Corruption campaigns in elections.

“Citizens must continue to hold elected political leaders accountable by insisting on community engagements towards the November 11th governorship 2023 elections.

“The demand for issue-based campaigns has always not been upheld by political parties their candidates. To this end, they must ensure that citizens issues rather than any other primordial sentiment is at the forefront of their campaigns.

“Citizen groups must be courageous and bold in demanding for accountability and transparency on elections at State level as this is their constitutional rights and their responsibility.

“The INEC, as a matter of urgency, should engage citizens on where, when and how to collect their PVCs.

“Engagement concluded by appreciating CHRCR in their crusade. They also appreciated CISLAC and John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for their continued support,” the communique stated.