The police have cautioned Nigerians against the use of dogs and others pets at polling units for the upcoming governorship and state house of assembly elections.
“The Nigeria Police Force has deemed it necessary to educate and caution Nigerians on the use of pets, especially, dogs, at the polling units on election day, as such act runs contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended,” the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said in Tuesday statement by the Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi.
“The provision of Section 126 (1) of the Electoral Act. 2022, explains clearly those actions exhibited by electorates that constitute electoral breaches and are punishable under the law, and paragraph (f) mentions possession of weapons calculated to intimidate voters and electoral officers.
“Dogs could be classed as offensive weapons as their owners/handlers can use them to intimidate, harass and cause assault and bodily harm to others. The Dogs Act, CAP 55 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1958 as domesticated in various States, and other Criminal Laws in Nigeria are trite.”
This warning came on the heels of speculations that some persons are planning to hit polling units with their dogs and other pets as part of efforts to wade off thugs and other electoral offenders.
But the police said such plans are “unacceptable, stand discouraged, and remain an act of electoral infraction as it will cause harassment and intimidation.
“The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, warns those who intend to display their pets, dogs specifically, for whatever purpose, at the polling units, to desist as such constitutes a violation of the electoral Act, 2022, as amended, and other extant laws.”
INEC Suspends Sokoto’s Resident Electoral Commissioner
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has suspended its resident electoral commissioner, REC, in Sokoto State, Nura Ali, with immediate effect.
The suspension was announced in a letter signed by INEC’s secretary, Rose Orlaran-Anthony, on Monday, March 6, 2023, addressed to both the resident electoral commissioner and the administrative secretary in the state.
According to the letter, Dr Nura Ali has been directed to stay away from the commission’s office in Sokoto State until further notice.
While the reason for the suspension was not explicitly stated, it was gathered that the decision might be connected to the recent allegations of irregularities in the just-concluded election in the state.
Aliyu Kangiwa, the Administrative secretary, has been instructed to take full charge of INEC in Sokoto State.
Bola Tinubu Declared Winner Of Nigeria’s Presidential Election As Opposition Party Vows Challenge
A Nigerian opposition party has said it will launch a legal challenge after Bola Ahmed Tinubu was on Wednesday declared the winner of Nigeria’s controversial presidential elections.
Tinubu, 70, represents the ruling All Progressives Congress party, which received close to 8.8 million votes – about 36.6% of the total, according to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman Mahmood Yakubu.
He defeated vice president Atiku Abubakar of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and a third leading candidate Peter Obi, who gained popularity among young people with his lesser-known Labour Party.
“We won this election as Labour Party, we are going to claim our mandate as Labour Party,” said Datti-Baba Ahmad, the party’s Vice Presidential candidate.
Obi is yet to comment on the official results.
However, Ndi Kato, Labour Party’s presidential campaign spokesperson told CNN on Wednesday: “We are defiant. The elections were rigged.”
In his acceptance speech, Tinubu struck a conciliatory tone, asking his opponents “to team up together.”
“It (Nigeria) is the only nation we have. It is one country, and we must build together. Let’s work together to put broken pieces together,” he said.
Tinubu also thanked voters and said he was “profoundly humbled.”
“This is a shining moment in the life of any man and an affirmation of our democratic existence,” he said. “I represent a promise and with your support, I know that promise will be fulfilled.”
Videos from the capital Abuja showed Tinubu’s supporters cheering and celebrating the win.
Source: ChannelsTV
