DSS Arrests INEC Official For Demanding Bribes Before Releasing PVC To Eligible Voters

A staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) for demanding bribes before releasing PVC to eligible voters. The INEC staff has been placed in the custody of the DSS for allegedly extorting eligible voters in the state. Spokesperson for INEC in Rivers state, Geraldine Ekelemu, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday.

Geraldine Ekelemu said the staff was nabbed for allegedly extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public. However, she did not reveal the name of the staff. Peoples Gazette learnt that the INEC staff had been extorting those visiting the commission’s office to register for the ongoing Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC).

It was gathered that the INEC staff was attached to the office of the commission in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. Geraldine Ekelemu noted that INEC has zero tolerance for acts of extortion by its staff, adding that the electoral body would ensure the DSS carries out a thorough investigation.