Politics
Breaking News: January Marks Commencement Of Offenders’ Trial As Prosecutors Listed By INEC And NBA In Polls Case
Breaking News: January Marks Commencement Of Offenders’ Trial As Prosecutors Listed By INEC And NBA In Polls Case....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The commencement of the prosecution of electoral offenders is scheduled for January, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) set to collaborate on the legal proceedings……CONTINUE READING
Electoral misconduct has been a recurring issue in Nigerian elections since 1999, encompassing offenses such as culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, snatching and destroying of INEC items, misconduct at polling units, and stealing of results.
In a significant development, a bill to establish the National Electoral Offences Commission, aimed at providing a legal framework for investigating and prosecuting electoral offenses, passed a second reading in the House of Representatives on June 30, 2022. However, the bill faced additional deliberations after being sent back to the House by the President following its passage by the Senate.
The proposed legislation includes a provision prescribing a 20-year jail term for individuals found guilty of snatching ballot boxes during elections. INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the need for expedited legislative action on the Electoral Offences Commission and Tribunal Bill during a presentation at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London on January 17, 2023.
Yakubu expressed the commission’s limitations in prosecuting electoral offenders due to a lack of power and resources for arrests and comprehensive investigations. He highlighted the importance of establishing the Electoral Offences Commission and Tribunal to enhance efforts in combating electoral malfeasance.
In the aftermath of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections, the former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, reported that over 700 offenders were apprehended by the Nigeria Police Force for violating electoral laws.
Despite the arrests, electoral offences remain a significant challenge to credible, free, and fair elections in Nigeria, often escalating political tensions and triggering violence. A document from the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, revealed that 1,076 electoral offenders were arrested across 35 states during the 2023 general elections.
Providing updates on the prosecution process, an anonymous top INEC official informed Sunday PUNCH that the commencement of the prosecution, handled in collaboration with the NBA, is anticipated in January 2024. Letters of fiat to prosecute on behalf of INEC are expected to be issued to the appointed lawyers.
The breakdown of the offenders by state shows that Ebonyi State has the highest number of cases, followed by Edo and Anambra states. With 191 case files prepared for prosecution, this unprecedented collaboration aims to address the longstanding issue of electoral offenses and enhance the accountability of those involved in malpractices during elections.
Source: Bushradiogist
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