By Ikeugonna Eleke
The Anambra State Government says it has uncovered a plot by some politicians to hijack voters’ cards ahead of the November 8 Governorship Poll.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, revealed this in a statement he made available to journalists in Awka, the state capital on Tuesday.
The Commissioner said some individuals had been going around collecting National Identification Numbers (NINs) from unsuspecting members of the public, on the guise that the National Identity Management Commission planned to use it to print a permanent identification card for them.
Mefor said those involved planned to use it to override the voting rights of the individuals whose NIN they took by using them to obtain fresh voters’ cards for themselves and their cohorts.
The statement read in part: “The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to the activities of some individuals and groups who collect National Identification Numbers (NINs) from individuals in various communities in Anambra State under the guise that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) requires them for revalidation or issuance of permanent Identity Cards.
“However, inquiries with the NIMC have confirmed that there is no such exercise going on, while further investigations have also revealed that these are criminals hired by some desperate politicians to hijack people’s Voters’ Cards, using their names and personal details contained in their NINs.
“With the NINs and the unsuspecting people’s personal details, they can override the individuals’ Voter’s Cards and issue themselves and their cohorts fresh Voter’s Cards.
“The further implication is that whereas they can vote on behalf of the owners during elections, having stolen their identities, the real owners cannot vote because the database no longer recognises them as the true owners.
“The government therefore advises anyone asked to submit his/her NIN to call the Anambra State security number, 5111, for their apprehension and necessary actions.”
