To ensure residents of the state have their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) the Abia State government declared Monday and Tuesday public holidays.
A statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem, announcing the measure at the weekend said executives of the various markets in the state are directed to ensure strict compliance to the directive in their various markets or be prepared to face appropriate sanctions.
It further urged those yet to pick up their PVC to take advantage of the opportunity to visit INEC offices or collection centres where they registered to collect their cards.
“The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has approved that Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th January 2023 be declared as public holidays in the State to enable Abians and residents to collect their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), ahead of the forthcoming general elections,” the statement read.
“Consequently, all public offices and markets are to be closed as all are enjoined to use this opportunity to visit the INEC offices or collection centres where they registered to collect their PVCs ahead of the 29th January 2023 deadline by INEC for closure of PVC collection.
“The Executives of the various markets in the State are directed to ensure strict compliance on the closure of their various markets or be prepared to face appropriate sanctions.
“Banks and those on essential duties are not affected by this directive,” it added.