PRESS RELEASE
UPROAR IN OYO OVER NON ISSUANCE OF PVCs as ALAAFIN WARNS INEC AGAINST DISENFRANCHISEMENT
With barely 8 days to the commencement of the general elections, there are complaints in Oyo metropolis which have come to the notice of the Alaafin of Oyo; that there is a great possibility of disenfranchisement of Thousands of eligible voters due to the non issuance of the PVC to the voters who have previously registered by the INEC at the various centers in Atiba, Oyo East, Oyo West local governments respectively in Oyo metropolis.
Unless something is urgently done by the INEC Headquarters thousands of eligible voters are sure to be disenfranchised for no fault of their own. The Alaafin of Oyo, is appealing to the governor of Oyo state that he should use his good offices to ensure that the good people of Oyo Metropolis are not disenfranchised.
The Alaafin lamented that during the registration exercise he personally provided computers, laptops, and generator sets and fueling to assist the INEC officials to the various INEC registration center.
The eligible voters in Oyo Metropolis will be greatly disenfranchised and that will affect the electoral value of Oyo people who have long been desirous of voting at the general elections but the non availability of PVC after they have been issued the temporary voters card which will not be usable at the polls.
It is however unfortunate that even Ayabas, palace aides and their families and a large number of eligible voters will be disenfranchised if the date of collection of PVC for the forthcoming election remains as it is 8th of February, 2019.
Following uproar from eligible voters in Oyo metropolis who besieged the palace, the Alaafin Media Crew consequently visited INEC offices in Atiba, Oyo East, Oyo West local government to ascertain the veracity of the people’s complaints.
Though electoral officers of the three INEC offices could not be met as at press time, as they were said to be away on official assignments. Other officials met declined comments, saying they were not competent to speak on the matter.
However, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, (J.P, C.F.R, LL.D), the Alaafin of Oyo has expressed strong indignation over the non issuance of PVC’s to eligible voters, saying “it is a deliberate attempt at disenfranchising large number of voters in Oyo metropolis.”
Oba Adeyemi III who called on INEC to, as a matter of utmost concern, extend the deadline for the collection of PVC’s by atleast four days (4days).
This according to the Paramount Ruler, would not only afford large turnout of eligible voters in the metropolis to exercise their civic responsibilities during election periods, but it would give them a sense of belonging and dedication towards sustainable democratic governance.
Bode Durojaiye
(Chief Press Officer)
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