The Independent National Elelctoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos State, Mr. Akin Orebiyi, has lamented that about 1.8 million Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) are yet to be collected out of the four million PVCs the state received.

Urging Lagos residents to ensure that their PVCs are collected, he said that the 245 Ward Collation Centres across the state have now been designated as distribution points for the PVCs.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Lagos on the electoral umpire’s preparation and readiness to conduct credible polls next month, Orebiyi noted that PVC distribution would henceforth be possible seven days a week from tomorrow, January 16, 2015.

He further disclosed that the state is yet to come up with a comprehensive list of candidates for various elective positions apart from the one released by INEC in Abuja, noting that it would be done through a piecemeal approach.

His words: ‘’Central to our activities and preparations for the elections is the issue of Permanent Voters’ Cards. The PVC today is about the most essential commodity in this country. It is the most sought-after item. We will like to apologise for the hitches the people of Lagos State have experienced in their bid to collect their PVCs. We are rectifying the situation now. As our chairman has already assured the nation, every registrant will have his PVC ready for collection before February 14.

‘’For ease of collection, distribution of the PVCs will now be extended from our present 20 local government offices to the 245 collation centres across the state. The list of the collation centres will be made available to the public. From January 16. Collection will be possible seven days a week from 8.30am to 5.30pm daily at all the centres. For those whose cards are not ready yet, please be assured that as soon as we take receipt of your cards we will make public announcements to request you to kindly come to our office to collect your cards.”