The conclusion of the third phase of the distribution of the voter cards and fresh voter registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has generated much controversy in Plateau State.

Residents of the state claim that the two exercises especially, the voter’s registration was poorly conducted as many potential voters were not able to register despite the huge turnout while it lasted.

Indeed, many residents consider the exercise as a calculated attempt by INEC to disenfranchise them.

At most polling units visited by journalists in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, the laptop computers that are critical to the exercises were either malfunctioning or not working at all.

The conclusion of the third phase of the distribution of the voter cards and fresh voter registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has generated much controversy in Plateau State.

Residents of the state claim that the two exercises especially, the voter’s registration was poorly conducted as many potential voters were not able to register despite the huge turnout while it lasted.

Indeed, many residents consider the exercise as a calculated attempt by INEC to disenfranchise them.

At most polling units visited by journalists in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, the laptop computers that are critical to the exercises were either malfunctioning or not working at all.

Not even the two day extension as directed by the national body helped to solve the crisis.
Registering his displeasure, the Chairman of Qua’an Pan local government area, Hon. Theophilus Dakas-Shan who led the people of his local government in a protest march to the INEC office in Jos said the exercise was a failure.

The Council boss who was accompanied by members of the executive council, the legislative council and the traditional council of the local government decried the poor distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs and poor conduct of the continuous voter’s registration exercise in the council.

“The protest became necessary to defend the people of the local government from being disenfranchised in the 2015 general elections. The people of the local government had overwhelmed me with their protest over their inability to get their permanent cards or be captured in the continuous voters registration exercise,” the council boss said.

“I had no option but to lead them here. The continuous registration of voters is not working in my local government, it was successful only in one ward out of the eleven wards in the local government. The computers brought for the exercise are old and not functional, the batteries are weak, the scanners are not working, in short it is total failure in our local government.”

His words, “There are over 200,000 eligible voters in the local government, so far, one quarter of these people have not been captured and if nothing is done, these people will not be able to exercise their franchise in the general election, that is our fear.

“Hundreds of youths who were not eligible to vote in 2011 are now eligible this year, but unfortunately all efforts to capture them in this exercise failed and they are so worried.”

However, the State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Habu Zarma appealed to the residents to be patient as their grievances will be channelled to the commission’s headquarters.
However, Senator representing Plateau North and governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Gyang Pwajok encouraged residents not to lose hope. The former State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice and aspirant for Jos South/Jos East federal constituency on the platform of the PDP, Barr. Edward Pwajok spoke in the same vein.

The duo appealed to qualified Plateau citizens to be patient and called on those with valid cards to protect their voter’s cards so that they can use them at the appropriate time.
The citizens were also cautioned to discard trivial sentiments and go for credible candidates who have what to offer to the electorate in the coming general elections.

Senator Pwjok speaking while addressing youths in the state under the aegis as Coalition of Young Redemption Advocates, CYRA and the former AG spoke during his handing over ceremony to his successor, Barr. Olivia Dazyem. Senator Pwajok further urged the youths to break away from the barrier of religious and ethnic sentiments and support credible and competent candidates during the 2015 general elections.

According to him, “It is only in this part of the world that your village, your senatorial zone and your ethnic group determines your future. As Plateau youths, we must break the barrier of ethnicity in our state to give room for credibility and competence, we must collectively work hard to give our state the best of what we have.

“We are happy that Governor Jonah Jang did not disappoint the people of Plateau State and he believes that the young people have the capacity to deliver the state, that is why today he is a strong advocate of handing over power to the youths in 2015.

“What the governor has done is a standard and we will continue to build on it. The Plateau youths have a future that is rushing with high speed and we must be prepared to surmount the challenges without fear of anyone.”

Meanwhile, the leader of the youth group, Barr. Redzie Jugo called for calm and urged political aspirants in the state to continue to play the game by the rules and ensure the forthcoming general elections is a success in the state

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2015: Voter Cards Grow Wings in Plateau State