INEC lists implications for unlawful possession, sale, purchase of PVCs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that anyone who unlawfully possess, sells or buys Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) risk two years jail term and a N500, 000 fine.

This was made known by the commission’s administrative secretary, Sokoto State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, on Wednesday at a one-day Stakeholders’ Forum on the continuous voter registration exercise billed to start in the state on Thursday.

He further said that a five-year jail term, N500, 000 fine, or both, awaited anyone who induced any person to refrain from registering a voter.

He said that similar punishment will be meted out to any person who hinders another from registering as a voter.

He added, “There is also a one-year jail term, N100, 000 fine, or both, for any person who makes a false statement, fails to give information or facilitate the registration of a fictitious person.”

According to Sadiq, the offences contravened the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended. He therefore called on members of the public to steer clear of such acts.

While he said that INEC was working with security agencies to prevent political parties from hijacking the exercise, Sadiq warned INEC staff to desist from any action that could compromise the integrity of the exercise.

According to Sadiq, same punishment will be meted out to any person who hinders another from registering as a voter.

The exercise is expected to be flagged off by Mrs. Amina Zakari, INEC national commissioner in charge of the North West.

Gsent Talks.....Taking You Further