The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Friday warned the over 3,800 foreigners that are resident in Anambra state to steer clear of the 2023 general elections or risk prosecution.
The NIS controller, Anambra state Command, Mrs. Ngozi Odikpo, gave the warning at Awka, during a meeting with representatives of West African countries residing in the State.
Odikpo, who said the agency was working tirelessly with other sister agencies to protect non-citizens of the country, also urged foreigners who might have acquired permanent voters cards (PVCs) in error to “quickly return them” to their office for onward return to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“If you have registered for PVC in error, kindly return them to us now and we will return them to INEC. The 2023 general elections are not meant for you (foreign nationals). If any of you is caught, we will hand the person over to the police for prosecution,” she said.
Odikpo, while noting that 3,800 foreigners had so far registered on emigrants’ platform, urged others yet-to-be enrolled to “quickly report to NIS for proper documentation so as to enjoy their residency.”
Responding, representatives of West African Countries in the state, including Mr. Salisu Abubakar of Niger Republic; Mr. Forson John, representing Ghana communities; M.r Samuel Domanou of Benin Republic; and Aziagbegno Kidjo Emmanuel of Togo; assured that their nationals would be sensitised to stay at home and steer clear of polling units.
