2023 Governorship Elections: Police Bans Use Of Dogs At Polling Units
The Nigeria Police has banned the use of dogs or any pet at polling units during the governorship and House of Assembly elections on March 11.
The Nigeria Police has banned the use of dogs or any pet at polling units during the governorship and House of Assembly elections on March 11.
Police further warned party supporters and other Nigerians to avoid going to their polling units with their dogs or any form of pets during the Saturday's elections describing such acts as criminal and condemnable stating that it's against the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended.
CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, in a statement on Tuesday, said the provision of Section 126 (1) of the Electoral Act. 2022, explained clearly those actions exhibited by electorates that constitute electoral breaches and are punishable under the law, adding that paragraph (F) mentioned possession of weapons calculated to intimidate voters and electoral officers.
He said Dogs could be classed as offensive weapons as their owners, handlers could use them to intimidate, harass and cause assault and bodily harm to others.
"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 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.
"The conceived ideas and plans by certain individuals, electorates, and groups of people to go to the polls accompanied by pets 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." The statement reads.
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