INEC registration exercise records impressive turn-out in Owerri

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continuous voter registration exercise which commenced on Thursday recorded an impressive turn out of people in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

When our correspondent visited INEC office in Owerri Municipal along Douglas road Owerri, scores of eligible persons for the registration came as early as 8.30am to be captured.

The Electoral Officer in-charge of INEC in Owerri Municipal Council, Mrs Chidinma Opara-Nestor said that the registration exercise was hitch-free in the area.

“The computers are functioning well, we have electric generating sets and other logistics,” Opara-Nestor said.

She said that five INEC staffers, and ten ad-hoc workers are involved in the exercise in her area, adding that the same number of personnel are equally working in each of the 27 INEC office across the state.

She said those eligible persons for the registration are Nigerians who have turned 18 years since after the last registration exercise, and those who want to transfer their Permanent Voters’ Card registration unit.

She further explained that those whose PVCs were lost or burnt could equally come for the continuous voters registration exercise.

“The INEC Continuous Voters’ Registration exercise which commenced today April 27, 2017 is expected to last for 90 days and we are calling on all eligible persons to come now and not to wait till the last date.

“The registration exercise will take place from Monday to Friday beginning from 9am to 3pm weekly,” she said.

Opera-Nestor used the opportunity to appeal to the media to help in informing the public on the need for their participation in the exercise.

“Getting your Permanent Voters Card is the only instrument you need to effect a positive change in Nigerian’s democracy and everybody that has reached 18 years of age is encouraged to obtain his or her PCV.”

Mrs Lovely Uzoma and Emeka Ibeawuchi who came for registration said they decided to come the first day of the exercise to avoid rush.

Ibeawuchi specifically said, “some Nigerians prefer to come when it is remaining one or two days to end the registration, for me I do not have the strength for this last minute rush that is why I came today.”