The Plateau state Government wishes to note with dismay the conduct of the recently conducted distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the state. To say the least it was a disappointment and a calculated plan to disenfranchise the good people of Plateau state.

We observe the high number of what the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC term zero units across the state. We equally note that there are certain areas with cases of alleged crashed computer whereas polling units adjacent to such places do not have issues. This is no doubt suspicious but we do not want to give it any meaning. Of note is the fact that one of such units is Governor Jonah David Jang’s in which the electorates there did not get their PVCs.

The exercise also did not take cognizance of students as well as many Nigerians who might have been away from their units longer than the three days designated for the collection of the PVCs. As a result, these cards were returned to INEC.

The Plateau state Government needs to state strongly that the INEC PVC exercise in the state has not only generated anxiety but has created doubts in the people’s minds on the capacity of the electoral body to deliver on this mandate. We call on INEC to rise up to the challenge, and deploy all machinery to strengthen the growth of our democracy especially at this critical time.

We therefore submit that the distribution should be left open and continuous so as not to disenfranchise our voters!

On the planned re-registration exercise, we are aware that the INEC in Plateau State has not received its materials. Reports reaching us indicate that the State Resident Electoral Commissioner has been directed to go to another State for the registration materials.

This to the Plateau State Government is another pointer that the electoral body is not ready in the State and another plan to disenfranchise our voters.

The Plateau State Government therefore appeals to the Federal Government to urgently intervene for the peace and development of the State by even allowing manual registration as done in the past.

We wish to state that our people remain law abiding democrats that have played a very strategic role in our nation’s democratic sojourn and are ever faithful in ensuring the sustenance and success of our democracy.

James Mannok
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor
November, 11th, 2014