NUJ urges Plateau residents to collect PVCs ahead of 2027 elections

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, has urged eligible voters in the state to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the 2027 general elections.

The call was contained in a communiqué signed by Ayuku Pwaspo, the council’s chairman and Mary Domtur, secretary, at the end of its October Congress held at the NUJ Secretariat, Jos.

The council urged the media, government, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to encourage eligible voters to collect their PVCs ahead of the elections.

“Congress noted the ongoing distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the forthcoming general elections,” the communiqué stated.

It added that stakeholders should encourage eligible voters to collect their PVCs and participate actively in the electoral process, while urging politicians and political parties to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with established rules and regulations.

The congress also expressed concern over the increasing incidence of kidnapping in Jos metropolis, particularly in Guratopp community, and called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and adopt proactive measures to protect lives and property.

“Congress expressed concern over the increasing incidence of kidnapping within Jos metropolis, particularly in the Guratopp community, where the criminal activity was reported to be persistent,” the communiqué stated.

The council further raised concerns over reported cases of car theft across the state, the activities of some truck drivers operating at night, and the destruction of graves and grave coverings by scavengers searching for metallic materials.

On public health, the congress called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other relevant regulatory authorities to intensify surveillance and take decisive action against individuals and businesses involved in the production, distribution and sale of fake or substandard medicines.

The council also urged the Plateau State government to sustain the enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations along restricted roads in Jos metropolis.

It warned against fraudulent activities targeting passengers using commercial tricycles and taxis, particularly during the ember months, and reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement with stakeholders to improve residents’ welfare.