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INEC EMPOWERED TO PROSECUTE PERPETRATORS OF ELECTION OFFENCES
The Nigerian Police Force will henceforth be expected to
play a major role in the prosecution of perpetrators of
electoral offences under the Electoral Act 2006.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,
Professor Maurice Iwu explained this position at a meeting
of the Police High Command at Abuja. He explained that the
new Act has empowered the Commission to prosecute electoral
offenders adding that the police would play a critical role
in the prosecution to bring electoral offenders to book.
He said the previous law conferred the power of prosecution
on the Attorney General of the State, who in most cases
is a political appointee.
Professor Iwu informed the high level meeting that the
Commission has opened up the political space to give every
Nigerian level playing ground for people to participate
in the elections. He lamented the risk that violence before,
during and after elections has always scared women participation
in politics and urges the police to find ways to curb violence
in the Nigerian Political environment.
The Chairman disclosed that the Commission has scheduled
a National Conference on violence-free elections for July
this year and that the police will be expected to join a
select group of experts to discuss ways of checking election
violence, as the Commission prepares for the 2007 elections.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero had
earlier expressed complete trust and confidence in the ability
of the Independent National Electoral Commission to deliver
a credible, free and fair election in 2007.
Mr. Ehindero said the collaborative approach employed by
INEC leadership will empower the Commission to check the
threat which election violence represents.
The Inspector General pledged that the police will do everything
possible to keep the peace, while being vigilant during
elections and will always be ready to effect the arrest
of offenders whenever instructed.
PASTOR SEGUN ADEOGUN
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
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