The distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards commenced in Enugu on Friday with an impressive turnout of the electorate.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria who monitored the exercise in parts of the metropolis, reports that people came out as early as 8:30am to the polling units to collect their cards.
At Okpara Square Ward II, Obiagu Primary School Ward I, Federal Government College, and Abakpa Nike, the people showed enthusiasm in the exercise.
NAN reports that apart from Okpara Square Ward II and Abakpa Nike, where security operatives were seen, there were no security presence in other ward visited as at 10am.
The presiding officer at Okpara Square Ward II, Virginia Oleh, told NAN that all the materials for the exercise were available for collection.
Oleh, who is a corps member, expressed joy on the smooth running of the exercise.
Amara Okoronkwo, who collected her card at Okpara Square Ward II, told NAN that she was impressed on the turnout of residents of the state that registered at the centre.
At Obiagu Primary School Ward I, the exercise witnessed a little hitch as the people that had come to collect their cards became agitated following the delay by the presiding officer, Chinwendu Duru, to start distribution.
Duru had complained that she had not got directives from the supervisor of the centre to start the exercise, adding that she had yet to be given the electronic voter sheet.
It took the intervention of the INEC supervisor for the centre, Theodore Edioke, to calm frayed nerves as the people had threatened to beat the presiding officer as no security was provided for the centre.
Edioke said the ward was known as one of the most volatile in the state, and expressed shock that there was no security man there.
“We were told that the police and Civil Defence will be here, but we have not seen any of them. So, far so good, we thank God the thing is in progress,” he said.
When contacted, Dr. Anthonia Ekwo, the INEC Director of Logistics, said the electoral body had made adequate security arrangement for the exercise, adding that they would ensure a hitch-free exercise.
NAN also reports that those who misplaced their temporary voter cards were asked to get their passport photographs and identity to collect their cards.
NAN reports that INEC recently cancelled voter registers in 621 polling units of the 2,945 units in the state.
Four local governments of Igboetiti, Nsukka, Nkanu West and Igboeze were worst hit in the cancellation.
The distribution of the cards will end on Sunday, while the registration of new voters will hold between May 28 and June 1.
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