Sokoto Police sensitise residents to Electoral Act, say ignorance of the law not an excuse
Sokoto State Police Commissioner Muhammed Usaini Gumel, has sensitised the general public on the requirements for successful 2023 elections.
Gumel, stated some of the do’s and don’t of the forthcoming in a statement made available to PERISCOPE NIGERIA by the command’s Public Relations Officer DSP Sanusi Abubakar.
He disclosed that eligible voters are those who have obtained Permanent Voters Card, insisting that those without PVC would not be allowed to participate
According to Gumel, residents should actively participate in the promotion of uniformity of intentions among the electorates, all candidates contesting elective positions, government and security officials for free, fair and credible election to thrive.
The statement partly read, “The Police Command further draws citizens’ attention to avoid falling on any of the following electoral offences stated in the Electoral Act, 2022 as amended:
“Attempt by unregistered persons to vote without PVC violates Part VII, No. 124 of the Electoral Act and you could be liable to 6 months jail term or N100,000 fine or both.
“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 six months imprisonment or both.
“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.
“Public disorder, arguments, struggles in queues, possession of weapons at poling units Part VII No. 125 of Electoral Act and punishable with N500,000 fine or 12 months in jail or both.”
Gumel stressed that falsely publishing candidate’s withdrawal would not be tolerated, adding that accepting inducements to vote is punishable.
“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.
“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.
“Snatching or destruction of election materials or devices violates Part VII No. 126 of Electoral Act and punishable with 24 months imprisonment.This attracts N1,000,000 fine or 12 months imprisonment or both.
“These include: 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.
“In view of the foregoing, the Command reiterate its determination to decisively dealt with violators in accordance with the provision of Electoral Act and the Constitutional provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other extant laws,” Gumel added.
The Commissioner also urged political parties to conscientise their members to be law abiding, noting that they should be guided by the various provisions.
The statement added, “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.
“Finally, the Command wish to 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 sensitising the public and encourage them to keep promoting the wide circulation of the jingles series being rolled out by the Police Command.”
