Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo has declared Tuesday work-free day for civil servants in the state to obtain their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs). 

In a statement by his spokesman, Richard Olatunde, on Saturday, Mr Akeredolu said the directive followed the “low rate” of collection of PVCs in the South-West.  

“The importance of the forthcoming elections can not be overemphasis. There is an urgent need for us to address the low rate of PVCs collection in the Southwest. 

“Beyond partisan lines, it is imperative that our people understand that the PVC is their license to enthrone desired political leadership,” the governor said. 

According to him, this would enable all eligible voters in the state to collect their PVCs at INEC designated centers in their respective local council areas.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) extended the deadline for the collection of PVCs by one week.

The electoral body previously said it would end the PVCs collection by January 22, 2023, having started the process on December 12, 2022.

Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education, announced that the PVCs collection now ends on January 29, 2023

“The Commission is encouraged by the turnout of registered voters and the surge in the number of collected PVCs across the country,” Mr Okoye said.

The commission also revealed a total of 93,469,008 registered voters for the 2023 general elections.

Speaking further, Mr Akeredolu said that the people needed to place a “premium” on the collection of their PVCs to enable them to exercise their franchise in the February and March elections.  

He advised the civil servants, private workers, artisans, and other well-meaning residents of the Ondo seize the opportunity and collect their voters’ cards. 

“We are constrained to take this decision to enable our people take this advantage and collect their PVCs. It’s important that we all exercise our civic responsibilities. 

“All political appointees and other government functionaries are also directed to return to their local governments and wards to encourage our people to collect their PVC,” the governor added.