The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has confirmed the arrest of an official attached to its Obio Akpor local government area office over allegations of extortion from residents intending to register for the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).
This follows allegations that some officials of the commission at the Obio-Akpor office were demanding money from intending voters.
In a statement, the state INEC spokesperson, Geraldine Ekelemu said the official was apprehended by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS).
She said the arrest is in line with the commission’s values of zero-tolerance for crime.
According to her, INEC would ensure that security agencies “investigate the allegation of illegality by its officials to ensure that every infraction is redressed and punished”.
The commission advised members of the public to “avoid acts of desperation that could render them vulnerable to fraudsters taking advantage of them.”
INEC further encouraged the public to report any act of extortion by its officials to designated security agents or the commission as it assured that its offices, particularly in the state are open and attending to potential registrants.
