NHCR asks police to arrest, prosecute violators of electoral laws during polls

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute all electoral law offenders during polls.

Speaking on Monday at a press conference on the just-concluded election,Tony Ojukwu, executive secretary of the commission, said reported cases of political violence during elections should be investigated.

Ojukwu said findings from the commission’s field monitors and human rights situation room showed there were issues of human rights violation during the governorship and house of assembly elections.

“The police should arrest and prosecute all verified cases of political violence including attacks and snatching of ballot boxes and materials,” he said.

“The police should also deploy human rights based approaches in managing cases of post–election violence and ensure the protection of lives and properties as we conclude the 2023 electoral circle.

“All law enforcement and security agents in the remaining elections should maintain political neutrality and impartiality in the election operations.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting future off-cycle elections should continue to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral processes.”

He said cases of violence were reported in some polling units as ballot boxes were snatched including issues of voter intimidation and vote buying.

The executive secretary also raised concerns over attacks on INEC officials and journalists covering the election.

“The commission received with great concern the attack on the ARISE News crew at Elegushi Palace. We call on the law enforcement agencies to investigate this and other incidents of violence and bring the perpetrators to book,” he added.

“The commission also received reports of the killing of alleged thugs in Lagos, Katsina and Benue states, Labour Party agents in Lagos. Elections are not war and no life should be lost in the process of elections.

“NHRC also, through the commission’s situation room, closely monitored the elections and received real time complaints on human rights violations during the elections from across the country.

“Our preliminary report highlights key findings from monitoring over 1,300 polling units by our staff and reports and complaints received from Nigerians in our human rights situation room.

“The environment before the elections was fraught with tension arising from reports and allegations of threats from different political parties and their supporters concerning the elections.”

He further said issues of ethnic division and harmful languages were reported in many states including Lagos, Enugu, Kano, River and Kaduna.