241,091 PVCs So Far Collected In Sokoto—REC
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Dr Nura Ali has admonished Nigerians to be rest assured the people of the state of a free, fair, credible and acceptable exercise in the forthcoming general elections.
Nura who spoke Saturday at a Congress organized by the Sokoto State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) also divulged that a total of 241,091 Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) have been collected in the state.
Represented by the Commissions’ HOD Voters Education and Publicity, Mr Muhammed Albania Takai, the REC further noted that 24254 PVCs are uncollected, 75,789 reported transfer out of which only 66,600 are successful with 9981 unsuccessful.
While noting that unbiased media is very important to having credible elections in every clime, Nura confirmed that they are ready for the polls hence they have gotten all the 3991 BVAS for the 3991 polling units in Sokoto.
According to the REC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Sokoto state branch have received all the sensitive materials, just as the commission have deployed non sensitive materials for the general elections to the respective local governments areas in readiness for the forthcoming general elections.
The REC who urged journalists to be factual in their reportage said they have recruited 16,000 ad-hoc staff in the state for the general elections.
“Let people continue to appeal to these people that are engaged to do the right thing for Nigerians. And on our part, INEC is doing it’s best to have a transparent election and be rest assured that your votes must count”. Dr Nura vowed.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State NUJ chairman, Dalhatu Safiyal Magori said the congress will remain another important milestone in the collective struggle of journalists towards ensuring better service delivery for practitioners, the state and country at large.
Delivering his goodwill message, Abubakar Shekara, a Special Assistant to governor Amimu Waziri Tambuwal urged Journalists to concentrate on what is wrong and not who is to be blamed. As this according to him will help in bringing solutions to the endemic systemic challenges confronting Nigeria.
“‘Blaming individuals might be sensational, but looking wholistically at the rots in the systems will help all of us. Journalists have great powers and with that comes great responsibility hence the need to use it with all sense of honesty, modesty and fairness to all””. Shekara appealed.
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On his part, Dr Sale Ibrahim, the Executive Chairman, Sokoto State Media Corporation admonished journalists to see themselves as partners in the business of building the society by reporting what will bring about the desired change for the benefits of humanity.
“My appeal to fellow colleagues is that, within the context of developmental journalism, they should always strive to ensure follow ups that could guarantee positive change for the overall interest of all””.
On his part, a former NUJ chairman, Muhammad Abdullahi Sokoto and Senior Special Assistant to governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal task journalists to be mindful of their calling, adding it is services to humanity and not a profession to enrich themselves.
‘We as watchdogs of the society seems to have gone asleep hence the many rots ongoing in the society. We have a public trust on us and we have to execute that trust with uttermost honesty, dignity and modesty.”
Also speaking at the congress, the immediate past chairman of NUJ in the state, Comrade Isa Abubakar Shuni harped on the essence of maximum welfare for practicing journalists.
This according to him, is one of the basic requirements for effective dedication to jobs, hence, non sustained provision of enhanced allowances to members could possibly render them vulnerable to unnecessary waves of brown envelope syndrome.
241,091 PVCs So Far Collected In Sokoto—REC
