* Encourages victims to report erring staff
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abia has cautioned its staff members against bribe collection in the course of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) distribution.
The INEC’s Head, Public Affairs Unit in Abia State, Bamidele Oyetunji, issued the warning during a chat with journalists on Monday.
There have been reports that some INEC officials collect as much as N500 from prospective voters before issuing them their cards.
Oyetunji, who addressed the issue, said the commission frowned at demanding gratification from the public in the course of discharging their duties.
He said: “Our staff members do not need to search for anything on the internet. All they need to do is to give people their voter cards. Prospective voters must not pay any money to anyone.
”Anybody whose card is not found or those with challenges should be given a note to verify online by themselves. The public should report any INEC stuff indulging in the unwholesome act of charging voters for the collection of PVCs.”