ADO-EKITI – The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) on Friday commenced the issuance of permanent voters’ cards in Ekiti State.
The exercise, which is taking place in the 2,195 polling units of the state, will end on Sunday.
Prospective voters who came for the exercise submitted their temporary voters’ cards in exchange for the permanent cards.
In most of the polling units in some local government areas of the state visited by NAN, INEC officials battled to control the crowds.
Alhaji Halilu Pai, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, told NAN that no fewer than 2,000 National Youth Service Corps members were trained and deployed for the exercise.
He said that another batch of 175 higher degree holders were also trained and deployed as supervisors to oversee the conduct of the exercise.
According to him, 657,000 permanent voters’ cards will have been issued to prospective voters at the end of the exercise.
Gov. Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Bisi who were at their Isan-Ekiti country home in Oye Local Government Area for the exercise, expressed satisfaction with the conduct and turn-out of the people.
The governor pleaded with INEC to consider extending the March 9 deadline for the exercise. (NAN)
