INEC security guard arrested for selling PVC forms in Rivers

INEC-Continuous Voter Registration (CVR)

INEC

By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Detectives from the Department of Security Service, DSS, Port Harcourt have arrested a guard attached to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State.

INEC also confirmed that the guard arrested is attached to its Eligbolo Registration Centre in Obio/Akpor area office on allegation of extortion of money from members of the public.

In a press statement by signed by Geraldine Ekelemu,Public Affairs officer for Mr. Obong Effanga, the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner, said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State can confirm that one of its security guards attached to its Obio/Akpor area office at Eligbolo Registration Centre has been arrested by agents of the Department of State Security on allegation of extortion of money from members of the public”.

INEC said it has a zero tolerance to acts of extortion by its staff and would ensure that the security agencies investigate this and any other allegations of illegality by its officials to ensure that every infraction is redressed and punished.

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The statement,however, advised Members of the public to avoid acts of desperation that could render them vulnerable to fraudsters taking advantage of them. They are also encouraged to report attempts at extortion to INEC or the security agencies.

INEC further said that all its offices in Rivers State are open and attending to potential registrants while registration is also ongoing in designated locations in some wards on a rotational basis.

Obong Effanga,in telephone interview also told Journalists that the INEC Security guard arrested was caught selling CVRs forms to registrants.

Our Correspondent reports that there have been complaints by potential registrants that they are being subjected to extortion by some INEC Officials at its Eligbolo Registration Centre in Obio-Akpor local government area and other centres in the state.

Anxious members of the public complained about the slow pace in the process of registration due inadequate manpower and equipment.

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