Some nationals of the Economic Community of West Africa States that live in Akwa Ibom State have said they are in possession of Permanent Voter Cards in order to participate in the forthcoming elections in the state. President, Togolese Community in Akwa Ibom, Mr. Innocent Keuosseh, revealed this in Uyo on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ forum organised by the state command of the Nigeria Immigration Service. Keuosseh stated that some of the immigrants, who got married in the state, had been registered as eligible voters by their in-laws, who are politicians. A Ghanaian national, who also got married in the state, Mr. Charles Furson, buttressed the claims by Keuosseh, adding that the politicians had enticed them with gifts to secure votes in elections. “I was given N500, ‘Maggi’ seasoning and salt; many of us have these cards,” Furson said. Another Ghanaian, Mr. Gideon Kwamena, revealed that they acquired the PVCs for easy banking transaction. The Comptroller, NIS, Akwa Ibom Command, Mr. Abdullahi Garba, urged the foreigners to return all PVCs in their possession to his office for onward delivery to the Independent National Electoral Commission. Garba stated that no foreigner would be allowed to vote or be voted for in the forthcoming elections. He added that foreigners were not allowed to possess any PVCs as they were not Nigerian citizens. He said immigration officers would be at the polling units to monitor and arrest any foreigner who may want to vote during the elections. He said, “We trust that you know your role as members of ECOWAS, and you know your rights and limitations as residents of this state. “As members of ECOWAS in the state, your rights are limited. You are not allowed to vote or be voted for. “You should not be seen to constitute a problem to election process in the country, if you don’t have anything doing take rest that day.” The comptroller asked the District Immigration Officers to be on the alert and apprehend any foreigner flouting the directive of the service. He advised those nationals, whose documents had expired, to renew them to avoid unpleasant consequences. Garba also warned against using PVCs for banking transactions, stressing that the documents were only for the purpose of voting. “Let your conscience guide you. Any attempt to use the PVCs will be a criminal case,” he warned.