By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
As the 2023 general elections is fast approaching, the Sokoto State Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Muhammed warns that ignorance of law is not and excuse for violating rules and regulations governing the conduct of electoral produres.
While enumerating about eleven offences of the electoral offences, he draw the attention of the general public to actively participate in the promotion of uniformity of intentions among the electorates, all candidates contesting elective positions, government and security officials, he calls for free, fair and credible election to thrive.
The Police Command further draws citizens’ attention to avoid falling on any of the electoral offences stated in the Electoral Act, 2022 as amended:
The statement by the Command’s Public Relations Ofiicer ASP Abubakar Sanusi said Voting by unregistered persons, attempt by unregistered persons to vote without PVC violates Part VII, No. 124 of the Electoral Act and could be liable to 6 months jail term or N100,000 fine or both.
Secrecy in voting, exposing voters’ confidentiality violates Part VII No. 122 of the Electoral Act. Electoral officers, candidates or party agents who pays to ask voters for evidence is punishable with N100,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment or both.
It also said vote-buying or selling with money, contract or public office, etc violates Part VII No. 121 of Electoral Act and punishable with N500,000 fine or 12 months imprisonment or both.
Similarly, disorderliness at polling units, Public disorder, arguments, struggles in queues, possession of weapons at poling units violates Part VII No. 125 of Electoral Act and punishable with N500,000 fine or 12 months in jail or both.
Voting illegally or falsely publishing candidate’s withdrawal or personal character violates Part VII No. 123 of Electoral Act and punishable with N100,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment or both.
That direct or indirect threat with violence to compel or refrain voters or other freedom during election violates Part VII No 128 of Electoral Act and punishable with N1,000,000 fine or three years in prison.
Giving or accepting monetary or other inducements before or during an election to refrain from voting on election day violates Part VII No. 127 of Electoral Act and punishable with N100,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment or both.
The statement further clarifies that snatching or destruction of election materials or devices violates Part VII No. 126 of Electoral Act and punishable with 24 months imprisonment.
Impersonating Electoral official
This attracts N1,000,000 fine or 12 months imprisonment or both and that
unlawful possession of a ballot paper, illegal printing of ballot papers or illegal production or importation of ballot boxes all attract a fine of N50,000,000 or imprisonment of not less than 10 years or both.
The Command therefore reiterate its determination to decisively deal with violators in accordance with the provision of Electoral Act and the Constitutional provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other extant laws.
However, the command is equally using this medium to bring to the notice of law abiding citizens in the state especially political parties and candidates to prevail on their members and followers to always note and remain guided on the provisions of the aforementioned electoral offences.
The Command also express its appreciation on the continuing cooperation of all critical stakeholders in particular those that attended its maiden stakeholders Colloquium and the subsequent supports and understanding the command being enjoyed during the ongoing political parties campaigns.
Specifically, the command appreciate the enormous supports from the NBA, Judiciary, media houses, NUJ, Zonal NBC and the umpire; INEC on all they are doing towards sensitizing the public and encourage them to keep promoting the wide circulation of the jingles series being rolled out by the Police Command.
