Parties coalition want two work free days for PVC collection

MEMBERS of the Coalition of Progressive Political Parties (CPPs) Monday urged authorities to declare two work-free days to enable those who have not collected their permanent voters card (PVC) to do so.

    Spokesman of the CPPs, Alhaji Bashir Yusuf said in Abuja Monday that the measure would give more eligible voters ample opportunity to collect their PVCs before the new election days rescheduled for March and April this year.

    He said: “If government could shift the poll for six weeks on the pretext of tackling Boko Haram, I don’t know why the same government has not deemed it fit to declare work free days for two days so that those who have been complaining that they have not collected their PVCs would have enough time to do that. We don’t want a situation whereby the government would have other excuses to give. If their excuses are genuine and patriotic, then they should also consider this request.

    “Those who have already collected their PVCs must ensure they keep them in a safe place as it is the only instrument they can use to effect the change they yearn for and eminently deserve.”

    Yusuf said that his group, which is an amalgam of ten opposition political parties, are deeply disappointed by the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to postpone Nigeria’s general election, initially scheduled to commence of February 14th, 2015.

    Warning against subterranean plots to remove Jega as national chairman of INEC, he swore that his group would vehemently resist the plan in the interest of democracy and good governance.

    He remarked that the postponement did not come to his group as a surprise since the idea was first mooted in the UK by Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd), National Security Advisor to President Jonathan, about three weeks ago.

    Urging CPPs members and supporters to remain calm and be law-abiding, not do anything that may lead to the breach of the peace, he called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to the change they have worked for by ensuring they use the opportunity of the postponement of the election to mobilize their communities and ensure every registered voter collects their PVCs.