The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has asked its members across the country to obtain permanent voter cards before the expiration of the deadline to enable them vote competent and credible leaders in 2023.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the IPMAN chairman Kano chapter, Alhaji Bashir Danmallam, and issued to newsmen in Kano on Friday.
He said the directive followed a meeting with the National President of the association, Mr Chinedu Okoronkwo where he (Okoronkwo) mandated him (Danmalam) to give the directive on his behalf.
He said the association had also resolved and directed its members not to give salary to any staff working under them until such staff present their PVC.
He said the association found It necessary to take the measure so as to ensure that all its eligible members obtain the PVC to enable them exercise their civic responsibility by participating fully in the forthcoming general election in 2023.
“We are not saying our members should vote for a particular candidate or political party. But our concern is our members should obtain the PVC because without it one cannot vote.
“Our members should feel free to vote for any candidate of their choice whether he or she is in APC, PDP, APGA or NNPP. They have the liberty to vote for the candidate of their choice irrespective of which party he/she belongs,” Danmalam said.
The IPMAN chairman urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the period of PVC registration to enable many of its members living in places where there is no effective network coverage, to register.
According to him, the union was ready to open offices to facilitate the registration exercise as it had given similar support to the National Identity Management Agency where it assisted the agency with computers for the issuance of National Identification number (NIN).
He noted that besides the Federal Government, their organization is highest employer of labour in the country and called on INEC to consider the possibility of extending the deadline for the registration.
He, therefore, urged their members to make the best use of the opportunity to register before the expiration of the deadline.
